The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired right wing Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of a major seven-player trade completed Monday, just before the NHL’s opening week roster deadline. As a central component of the deal, Marchenko has agreed to a six-year, $75 million contract extension with Toronto, carrying an average annual value of $12.5 million, according to agent Dan Milstein. Sports Yahoo reports that Marchenko had previously informed Columbus officials before the June draft that he did not intend to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets.
Maple Leafs Acquire Kirill Marchenko in Seven-Player Blockbuster
In the exchange, the Blue Jackets received left wing Matthew Knies, defenseman Emil Andrae, center Steven Lorentz, and a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. In addition to Marchenko, the Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and left wing Miles Wood. The Blue Jackets will retain 18 percent of Merzlikins’ salary as part of the transaction, according to USA Today.
Columbus Welcomes Power Forward Matthew Knies
The centerpiece of the return for Columbus is 23-year-old Matthew Knies, a 6-foot-2, 232-pound winger. Knies is currently in the second year of a six-year, $46.5 million contract that runs through the 2030-31 campaign, averaging $7.75 million annually. Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell described Knies as a big, strong power forward who combines tough, hard-nosed physical play with outstanding offensive skills
, according to NHL.com.
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Knies has recorded consecutive 20-goal and 50-point seasons in his first three NHL years, totaling 160 points (67 goals, 93 assists) across 240 career games. In the 2025-26 season, he achieved career highs in assists, points, and time on ice, finishing with 66 points in 79 appearances. Previously, in 2024-25, he set personal bests in goals (29), game-winning goals (6), hits (182), and shots on goal (152).
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Roster Shifts and Veteran Depth
Columbus also adds veteran experience and defensive depth through Steven Lorentz and Emil Andrae. Lorentz, a 30-year-old center, was a member of the Florida Panthers’ 2024 Stanley Cup championship team. He recorded 18 points in 71 games with Toronto during the 2025-26 season. Andrae, a 24-year-old Swedish defenseman, was acquired by Toronto from Philadelphia in June 2026. He previously helped Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships. Waddell noted that Andrae possesses excellent vision and puck-moving skills
, while Lorentz provides great size and strength
.
The Blue Jackets also made other roster adjustments on Monday, loaning forward Jack Williams to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and placing defenseman Damon Severson on the Injured Non-Roster list.
Departures from Columbus
The trade marks the end of several tenures in Columbus. Kirill Marchenko, a 26-year-old Russian native and former second-round pick, led the Blue Jackets in goals last season with 27 and finished second in points with 67. Over four seasons in Columbus, he totaled 102 goals and 208 points.
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Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, 32, departs as one of the most active players in franchise history, ranking second in wins (108) and games played (274). Merzlikins begins his tenure in Toronto on long-term injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. Left wing Miles Wood also joins the Maple Leafs after one season in Columbus, where he recorded 14 points in 54 games. Wood has already cleared waivers and is eligible to report to Toronto’s AHL affiliate.
Trade Summary
| Toronto Maple Leafs Receive | Columbus Blue Jackets Receive |
|---|---|
| Kirill Marchenko (6-year, $75M extension) | Matthew Knies |
| Elvis Merzlikins (18% salary retained by CBJ) | Steven Lorentz |
| Miles Wood | Emil Andrae |
| 2027 Conditional 2nd-Round Pick |
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