Blockbuster Trade Reshapes Two Rosters
The Toronto Maple Leafs completed a six-player trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, acquiring forward Kirill Marchenko, forward Miles Wood and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. In return, Columbus received forward Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. Marchenko, 26, also signed a six-year, $75 million contract with Toronto that carries a $12.5 million average annual value and begins next season, according to his agent.[S1]
The deal concluded a process that unfolded throughout Monday. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman first reported that Toronto was in deep trade talks for Marchenko, and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic later reported the trade was happening and included Knies. Friedman also noted that Toronto would extend Marchenko with a new deal. The trade followed Columbus and Marchenko being unable to agree on a contract extension, and Marchenko had been noncommittal about his future with the franchise when asked earlier in the offseason.[S2]
What Each Team Is Getting
Marchenko is entering his fifth season since Columbus selected him in the second round, No. 49 overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft. He recorded 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 76 games in 2025-26, leading the Blue Jackets in goals and finishing second in points. He has led Columbus in goals in each of the past three seasons and has 208 points (102 goals, 106 assists) in 292 NHL games. He had one year remaining on a three-year, $11.55 million contract ($3.85 million average annual value) he signed with Columbus on July 28, 2024.[S1]
Knies, 23, posted an NHL career-high 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games for Toronto last season. He signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract ($7.75 million average annual value) with the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2025. Selected by Toronto in the second round, No. 57 overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft, Knies has 160 points (67 goals, 93 assists) in 240 regular-season games and 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 27 Stanley Cup Playoff games.[S1]
Merzlikins, 32, went 14-11-3 with a 3.40 goals-against average and .883 save percentage for Columbus. He is 108-111-38 with a 3.22 GAA and .900 save percentage in 274 regular-season games, all with the Blue Jackets. Wood had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 54 games last season and has 196 points (99 goals, 97 assists) in 567 regular-season games with the New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche and Blue Jackets. Lorentz had 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 71 games with Toronto last season. A member of the 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the 30-year-old has 80 points (36 goals, 44 assists) in 381 regular-season games with the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Panthers and Maple Leafs. Andrae, 24, had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) last season for the Philadelphia Flyers and was traded to Toronto on June 16 as part of the Joseph Woll trade.[S1]
Why the Trade Happened and What Comes Next
Marchenko was scheduled for restricted free agency after the upcoming season, giving Columbus motivation to trade him if he had no interest in returning on an extension. The Blue Jackets at least received something in return for a player who did not lack suitors. Friedman recently said on his 32 Thoughts podcast that Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas and Seattle had all shown interest at various points.[S2]
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 with 67 points on 40 assists and 27 goals in 2025-26. Given his age and the fact he played for a Blue Jackets team that missed the playoffs both seasons, it is reasonable to expect him to be even more productive in Toronto if surrounded by more talent. The Maple Leafs are looking to return to the postseason after missing out last year, when a middling offense ranked 16th in the league in goals per game. Columbus will continue its rebuild with the addition of the 23-year-old Knies, who tallied 66 points on 43 assists and 23 goals last season.[S2]
The Maple Leafs open the 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday at home against the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. ET (TVAS, SN). The Blue Jackets open their season at home against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET (CBJHN, CBJNHL, MSG-B).[S1]
