Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko out indefinitely with broken jaw

COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 25: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets seen in action during the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Nationwide Arena on January 25, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

by: Orri Benatar

Posted: Feb 3, 2025 / 01:49 PM EST

Updated: Feb 3, 2025 / 01:53 PM EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Blue Jackets’ leading goal scorer will be out indefinitely after suffering a broken jaw Sunday night.

Forward Kirill Marchenko has been placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery Monday. The 24-year-old right-winger took a puck square into his jaw while sitting on the bench during the second period of Sunday’s game at the Dallas Stars.

Marchenko leads Columbus with 21 goals to go along with 34 assists, making him the team’s second leading scorer behind defenseman Zach Werenski (57 points). This is his second season with the Blue Jackets as they chase their first playoff appearance since 2019-20.

After Sunday’s 5-3 loss to Dallas, the Blue Jackets sit in the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with 59 points. Columbus is one point ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins with 29 games to play.

The Blue Jackets conclude a four-game road trip Tuesday at the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. They then host Utah Hockey Club on Thursday and the New York Rangers on Saturday before the league takes a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.