The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday in a blockbuster deal that sends Matthew Knies the other way on the eve of the regular season.
Toronto also received goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and forward Miles Wood in exchange for Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft.
Shortly after the trade, Marchenko agreed to a six-year, $75 million extension with Toronto that begins next season, according to his agent, Dan Milstein. The contract carries an average annual value of $12.5 million.
Marchenko, 26, was entering the final season of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million cap hit. His new deal will make him one of Toronto’s highest-paid players, behind only captain Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million annual salary.
The Russian winger gives new Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka another proven scorer after an offseason filled with roster turnover.
Marchenko recorded 27 goals and 40 assists in 76 games last season. He has scored at least 20 goals in each of his four NHL campaigns, highlighted by career highs of 31 goals and 74 points in 2024-25.
Columbus, meanwhile, adds a 23-year-old winger under contract through the 2030-31 season.
Knies recorded career highs of 43 assists and 66 points while scoring 23 goals in 79 games last season despite dealing with a lingering knee injury. The 2021 second-round pick has produced 67 goals and 160 points over 240 career games, all with Toronto.
Knies carries a $7.75 million cap hit on the six-year, $46.5 million contract he signed in 2025.
Merzlikins, 32, is sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery in mid-August. Columbus placed him on non-roster injured reserve last week. He went 14-11-3 with a 3.40 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage over 30 appearances last season.
The Blue Jackets will retain 18% of Merzlikins’ $5.4 million cap hit, according to TSN. He can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Wood, 31, cleared waivers Sunday while Lorentz cleared waivers Friday.
The move continues a major reconstruction under Chayka, who took over the Maple Leafs’ front office in May. In addition to Marchenko, Toronto has brought in veteran forwards Colton Sissons, Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul and Teddy Blueger along with No. 1 overall draft pick Gavin McKenna.
Toronto opens its season Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens.
–Field Level Media
