Kirill Marchenko Joins Maple Leafs in Major Seven-Player NHL Trade
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets have completed a major seven-player trade, with forward Kirill Marchenko moving to Toronto ahead of the new NHL season.
Columbus also sent goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and left winger Miles Wood to the Maple Leafs as part of the deal.
In return, Toronto transferred left winger Matthew Knies, defenseman Emil Andrae and center Steven Lorentz to Columbus, along with a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Marchenko Signs Six-Year Extension
Marchenko, who was entering the final year of his contract with Columbus, has agreed to a six-year extension worth $75 million with Toronto.
The 26-year-old Russian forward had informed the Blue Jackets before the 2026 NHL Draft that he did not plan to sign a contract extension with the club.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell had previously indicated that he expected Marchenko to remain with Columbus when the season began. However, the team ultimately decided to complete the trade with Toronto.
Marchenko’s Record in Columbus
Marchenko was selected by Columbus in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut in 2022 and became an important offensive player for the Blue Jackets during his time with the team.
The forward either led or shared the team lead in scoring during each of the past three seasons.
The trade gives Marchenko a new opportunity in Toronto, while Columbus receives several players and a future draft asset as part of the roster changes ahead of the new NHL season.
