Kirill Marchenko trade rumors had swirled since the draft, and it came to fruition when the Columbus Blue Jackets dealt him to the Toronto Maple Leafs right before the NHL roster submission deadline on Monday, Sept. 28.
The Blue Jackets get back forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick for Marchenko, 26, who scored 31 goals two seasons ago and had 27 goals last season. Forward Miles Wood and injured goalie Elvis Merzlikins also head to Toronto in the tarde.
Toronto agreed to terms with Marchenko on a six-year, $75 million extension with a cap hit of $12.5 million starting in 2027-28, agent Dan Milstein posted on social media.
Here are trade grades for the Columbus Blue Jackets-Toronto Maple Leafs
deal involving Kirill Marchenko:
Kirill Marchenko trade details
According to multiple reports, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded forwards Kirill Marchenko and Miles Wood, plus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorenz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick. Columbus retains 18 percent of Merzlikins' contract.
Kirill Marchenko trade grades
Columbus Blue Jackets - B+
This is a solid return for Marchenko, considering he reportedly did not want to re-sign with Columbus when his contract expires in July. Knies is three years younger than Marchenko and is a 6-foot-3 power forward. He totaled 52 goals over the past two seasons and could benefit from a change of scenery. He's signed through 2030-31 at a reasonable $7.75 million cap hit. Dealing Wood and Merzlikins helps the Blue Jackets get under the salary cap after re-signing Adam Fantilli.
Toronto Maple Leafs - B+
Marchenko was the Blue Jackets' leading goal scorer and could put up even bigger numbers playing in the Maple Leafs' top six. Wood has plenty of speed, though he's coming off a disappointing 14-point season. Andrae, acquired by Toronto this offseason, was available because the Maple Leafs signed Nick Blankenburg this week. New GM John Chayka has been busy reshaping the Leafs after their nine-season playoff streak ended.
Elsewhere in the NHL
- The Winnipeg Jets claimed goalie Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals. Winnipeg gets goalie depth with Connor Hellebuyck still not reporting amid a trade request.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forwards Justin Brazeau, Ben Kindel, Blake Lizotte and Bryan Rust and defenseman Ryan Graves on injured reserve.
- St. Louis Blues defenseman Logan Mailloux, injured in a fight, had surgery on his hand and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.
- Defenseman Alberts Smits, the No. 5 overall pick in 2026, made the New York Rangers' opening roster. He played for Latvia in the Olympics, world championships and world junior championships.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kirill Marchenko trade grades: Who won Blue Jackets-Maple Leafs deal?
