Maple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko from Blue Jackets for Matthew Knies

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant move on the eve of the regular season, acquiring forward Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a package that includes players Matthew Knies, Miles Wood, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs will also receive forward Steven Lorentz, defenceman Emil Andrae, and a second-round pick in the trade.

Marchenko, a 26-year-old Russian, will sign a six-year contract extension with an annual average value (AAV) of $12.5 million, having been a restricted free agent after his previous contract that had a $3.85 million AAV. Last season, Marchenko scored 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games for the Blue Jackets. He has a contract with the Maple Leafs that will keep him on the team for six years.

On the other hand, Matthew Knies, a 24-year-old forward, is returning to the Maple Leafs after a season in Columbus. Knies has 67 goals and 160 points in 240 career games and is under contract for five more years with an AAV of $7.75 million. Elvis Merzlikins, the goaltender in the trade, is entering his final season with a $5.4 million cap hit and is currently injured following shoulder surgery in August.

The Maple Leafs had to submit their opening-night, cap-compliant roster by 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on Monday, and they are set to start their regular season on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.