The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired forward Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a major trade announced Monday, September 28, 2026, just before the opening-night roster deadline.
Full Trade Details
Toronto Maple Leafs receive
Kirill Marchenko, right wing
Miles Wood, forward
Elvis Merzlikins, goaltender
Depth: Wood adds another forward option
Columbus Blue Jackets receive
Matthew Knies, forward
Steven Lorentz, forward
Emil Andrae, defenseman
2027 second-round draft pick
Kirill Marchenko: Toronto’s New Scoring Threat
Marchenko arrives after recording 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games during the 2025–26 season. He has accumulated 102 goals and 106 assists in 292 NHL regular-season games.
He also agreed to a six-year, $75 million contract, carrying an average annual value of $12.5 million, beginning next season.
What This Means for Toronto
Offence: Marchenko adds a proven goal scorer who could strengthen Toronto’s top six and power play.
Roster changes: Knies’ departure removes a young, productive power forward from the lineup.
Goaltending: Merzlikins provides another goaltending option, although his health and role will be important considerations.
Depth: Wood adds another forward option
while Toronto gives up Lorentz, Andrae and a future second-round selection.
The Bottom Line
This is a significant roster change for Toronto immediately before the 2026–27 regular season.
Marchenko’s scoring production and long-term contract are central to the deal, while Columbus receives Knies, a young forward who recorded 66 points last season, along with additional players and a draft pick.
The key storyline now is how quickly Marchenko fits into Toronto’s offensive system and whether his production helps the Maple Leafs improve on last season’s results.
