The National Hockey League got one last blockbuster trade just over 24 hours before the start of the 2026-27 season, with Kirill Marchenko and Matthew Knies headlining a swap between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs.
It had become increasingly clear that Marchenko had no interest in re-signing in Ohio. That was not the case in Ontario: the Russian forward inked a six-year, $75 million extension that will keep him with the Leafs through 2032-33.
Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman offered some insight into the trade Tuesday, pointing to three reasons Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell decided to make the deal.
“Columbus GM Don Waddell made it clear he didn’t have to trade an unhappy Marchenko yet, especially as the Blue Jackets hope to compete for a playoff berth. There were at least three reasons he reconsidered,” Friedman wrote in his latest 32 Thoughts. “First, they were never offered anyone as appetizing as Knies, especially since he’s locked in at great value. He will benefit from ‘quiet,’ not being in three trade rumours per week. Teammates believed he was annoyed at the speculation; had enough of it.
“Second, the Maple Leafs think so highly of Marchenko — an absolute superstud in their eyes — they were willing to take Elvis Merzlikins and Miles Wood to get it done. They tried their best to hide their interest, but lusted after him, feeling he has the highest ceiling of anyone in this trade.
Article Continues Below“Third, the relationship between Marchenko and head coach Rick Bowness was … uneasy. One very interesting thing: Months ago, word was Marchenko would go to Montreal no problem, but he wasn’t as certain about Toronto. Whatever his initial concerns, he warmed up when it really mattered.”
Marchenko will immediately slot into Toronto’s top six, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play on Auston Matthews’ wing. Alternatively, he could line up alongside John Tavares on the second line. Either way, the Leafs’ forward group is looking dangerous again ahead of the new season.
General manager John Chayka said he hopes Marchenko can make his Leafs debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night, provided his immigration paperwork is completed. If he does suit up, he’ll have a chance to play alongside the most accomplished forwards of his NHL career.
After posting 141 points over the last two seasons, Marchenko could push for a point-per-game campaign for the first time, and the 27-year-old is now firmly entrenched as a key piece of Toronto's core.