Maple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko in blockbuster trade

On September 28, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets completed a six-player deal. Toronto received forward Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and forward Miles Wood. Columbus received forward Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a 2027 second-round pick. Hours later, Marchenko signed a six-year, US$75 million extension ($12.5 M AAV) starting in 2027-28.

Marchenko traded to Maple Leafs from Blue Jackets, signs six-year deal ESPNThe Sporting NewsMaple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko from Blue Jackets for Matthew Knies Full details of the Maple Leafs’ Kirill Marchenko trade have been revealed Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs trade power for pace in Kirill Marchenko-Matthew Knies blockbuster Columbus DispatchMaple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko in blockbuster with Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko traded by Blue Jackets to Maple Leafs in blockbuster trade that includes Matthew Knies How Kirill Marchenko changes the Maple Leafs’ near and long-term outlook

Marchenko, a 26-year-old Russian winger drafted 49th overall in 2018, posted 27 G, 40 A (67 P) in 76 games in 2025-26 and led Columbus in goals for three seasons. He was entering the final year of a three-year, US$11.55 M contract signed on July 28, 2024, with a $3.85 M cap hit and was set to be a restricted free agent in 2027.

Marchenko traded to Maple Leafs from Blue Jackets, signs six-year deal

Columbus GM Don Waddell had indicated Marchenko would stay for the upcoming season, but his non-committal answers and agent Dan Milstein’s openness to Toronto paved the way for the trade. Maple Leafs GM John Chayka, who took over in May, sought a proven scorer after a roster turnover and a missed playoff.

Maple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko from Blue Jackets for Matthew Knies

• Marchenko: 27 G, 40 A, 67 P (2025-26); career 102 G, 106 A, 208 P in 292 games; extension $75 M/6 yr, $12.5 M AAV.

Marchenko traded to Maple Leafs from Blue Jackets, signs six-year deal

• Knies: 23 G, 43 A, 66 P (2025-26); career 67 G, 160 A, 227 P; contract $46.5 M/6 yr, $7.75 M AAV (signed July 1, 2025).

Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs swap Marchenko, Knies in blockbuster six-player trade

• Merzlikins: 14-11-3 record, 3.40 GAA, .883 SV% in 30 games (2025-26); $5.4 M cap hit; Columbus retained 18 % of salary (exact amount disputed).

How the Kirill Marchenko trade affects the Maple Leafs' salary cap

• Wood: depth forward, $2.5 M AAV through 2029.

Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs swap Marchenko, Knies in blockbuster six-player trade

• Lorentz: $1.35 M AAV through 2028.

How the Kirill Marchenko trade affects the Maple Leafs' salary cap

• Andrae: $1.55 M AAV through 2027-28.

ESPN

• Dan Milstein announced on X that Marchenko had agreed to the six-year, $75 M extension, making him one of Toronto’s highest-paid forwards behind Auston Matthews.

How Kirill Marchenko changes the Maple Leafs’ near and long-term outlook

• Merzlikins salary retention: Sources differ between an 18 % retention of a $5.4 M cap hit (? $975 K) and a retained $759,600 of a $4.22 M salary.

How the Kirill Marchenko trade affects the Maple Leafs' salary cap

• 2027 second-round pick: One description ties the pick to a conditional selection from Seattle in a March 6 trade; another simply calls it a “conditional 2027 second-round pick.”

ESPN

• “I don’t lump the two together,” — Don Waddell

Columbus Dispatch

• “We’ve been consistent with Matthew that he’s an important part of our team,” — John Chayka

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

• “Toronto has tried to keep their interest secret, but it has kind of seeped out,” — Elliotte Friedman, Sportnet

Toronto Sun

The trade gives Toronto a right-winger with size, speed and a proven scoring record, bolstering the top line with Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Columbus adds a younger, cost-controlled forward in Knies and clears Marchenko’s $12.5 M AAV, supporting a rebuild focused on flexibility.

Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Kirill Marchenko Maple Leafs in a Blockbuster

Toronto will debut the new roster on opening night of the 2026-27 season against the Montreal Canadiens. Columbus will begin its campaign the same night. Both clubs must finalize contracts for the newly acquired players before the roster deadline.

Bleacher Report