Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly trade Marchenko, Merzlikins, Wood to Toronto Maple Leafs

The Columbus Blue Jackets have reportedly traded Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, and Miles Wood to the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 28 for four players and a second-round draft pick. Marchenko's trade comes after reports surfaced that Columbus GM Don Waddell had previously shut down trade talks. As part of the deal, the Maple Leafs secured a six-year, $75 million contract extension for Marchenko, who had one season left on his previous contract.

Merzlikins, recovering from shoulder surgery, had been on the team's injured reserve and was due to make $4.22 million this season under his five-year contract. Knies, a 23-year-old forward, had 23 goals and 43 assists in his third full season with the Maple Leafs. The Blue Jackets GM's promise that Marchenko would remain with the team until the season began did not materialize, as the trade occurred after discussions with the Maple Leafs' agent, Dan Milstein.