Updated 21m ago · Sports
Maple Leafs acquire Marchenko, extend him six years.
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded Matthew Knies and three other assets to Columbus for Kirill Marchenko, then signed the 26-year-old winger to a six-year, $75 million extension Monday.
- $12.5 million cap hit kicks in for Marchenko starting in 2027-28.
- Knies, 23, carries a $7.75 million cap hit through 2030-31.
- Columbus retains 18% of Merzlikins' $5.4 million salary for 2026-27.
- Marchenko posted 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season.
Why it matters: Marchenko's agent Dan Milstein signaled at the 2026 draft that his client would not re-sign long-term in Columbus, triggering a trade search that drew calls from teams across the league.
- Columbus needed to clear cap space after signing Adam Fantilli to a six-year deal at $13.75 million.
- Toronto GM John Chayka has overhauled the Leafs' forward group since taking over in May; the deal leaves just four forwards from last season's roster in Tuesday's projected lineup.
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8 sources · 19 articles · 87% Center coverage
Center coverage, 7 sources: The center frames this as a bold, high-stakes roster reset for both franchises — Toronto betting on Marchenko's upside at a steep long-term price, Columbus pivoting toward youth and cap flexibility.
ESPN2hWho comes out ahead in Marchenko-Knies trade? Grading the Leafs, Blue Jackets - ESPN
USA Today4hKirill Marchenko trade grades: Who won Blue Jackets-Maple Leafs deal?
Heavy52mMaple Leafs Had Powerful Reasons to Trade Matthew KniesTCDThe Columbus Dispatch5hColumbus Blue Jackets send Marchenko, Merzlikins, Wood to Toronto Maple LeafsCNCTV News5hMaple Leafs acquire Marchenko from Blue Jackets in blockbuster, then extend him on six-year, $75M dealNCNBC4 Columbus (WCMH)5hBlue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko traded to Toronto Maple Leafs, reports say
Newsweek2hMaple Leafs & Blue Jackets swing blockbuster trade before NHL opening nightLeft1 source
What’s next: Marchenko is projected to join Auston Matthews on Toronto's top line Tuesday.
- Merzlikins is out indefinitely after shoulder surgery in August; his status has no set timetable.
- How quickly can Knies establish himself as a centerpiece in Columbus's rebuild alongside Adam Fantilli?
- Will Merzlikins recover from shoulder surgery in time to contribute to Toronto this season?
- Can Marchenko replicate or exceed his Blue Jackets scoring pace on a deeper Toronto roster?