Kirill Marchenko traded to Maple Leafs, new contract details and Blue Jackets return revealed

The Toronto Maple Leafs are adding some offensive firepower to their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season with the addition of right winger Kirill Marchenko.

After NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that the Maple Leafs were in “extensive” trade talks for the Columbus Blue Jackets right winger, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that the deal was in the works and also involved Matthew Knies:

Friedman reported on the additional players and noted that Toronto would also extend Marchenko with a new deal:

The exchange was the conclusion of a process underway Monday:

This comes after Columbus and Marchenko failed to agree on a contract extension. He was also rather evasive about his status within the franchise when asked about his future in Columbus earlier this offseason:

Marchenko was slated for restricted free agency after the upcoming season, so there was likely motivation on Columbus’ part to trade him if he had no interest in returning on an extension.

The move at least gives something back to someone who appears to have no shortage of suitors, as Friedman recently reported on his 32 thoughts podcast (with Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston).

“Montreal, everyone knows the Islanders that I talked about a few weeks ago,” Friedman said. “I think Toronto really tried to keep their interest a secret, but it kind of came out. I think Winnipeg, at one point, kind of looked into it.

“I heard Boston made an offer at one point. Some people said Vegas, some people said they weren’t sure it was Vegas. I have to think Seattle is in the same situation. They really tried to attract a high-end player and they could make this deal.”

Such interest, including from his eventual destination in Toronto, wasn’t particularly surprising, since Marchenko is 26 and coming off back-to-back impressive seasons. He scored 74 points on 43 assists and 31 goals in 2024-25, then followed that up with 67 points on 40 assists and 27 goals in 2025-26.

Considering his age and the fact that he played for a Blue Jackets team that missed the playoffs both seasons, it’s reasonable to expect him to be even more productive in the future if he’s surrounded by more talent in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs are certainly looking to get back into the playoffs after missing out last year.

They ended a nine-season playoff streak thanks in part to a mediocre offense that was 16th in the league in goals per game. Adding someone like Marchenko could help improve those numbers and perhaps lead to a return to the playoffs.

As for the Blue Jackets, they will continue to rebuild with the addition of 23-year-old Knies. The forward had 66 points on 43 assists and 23 goals last season.