Maple Leafs Acquire Marchenko in Multi-Player Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired winger Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and forward Miles Wood from the Columbus Blue Jackets just before the 2026-27 NHL season, sending Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a 2027 second-round pick to Columbus. Toronto signed Marchenko, 26, to a six-year, $75 million extension that begins next season; he had 27 goals and 40 assists in 76 games last season and has scored at least 20 goals in each of his four NHL seasons. Knies had a career-best 66 points last season, while Merzlikins is recovering from shoulder surgery. Toronto is adding scoring and depth, while Columbus receives Knies, roster assets and a draft pick.