Maple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko in blockbuster with Blue Jackets

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, and forward Miles Wood from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. In exchange, Columbus received forward Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a 2027 second-round draft pick. Following the trade, Marchenko agreed to a six-year, $75 million contract extension with Toronto that carries an average annual value of $12.5 million.

Marchenko, 26, recorded 27 goals and 40 assists in 76 games last season. Columbus acquires the 23-year-old Knies, who posted 66 points last season and remains signed through 2030-31. Additionally, Columbus will retain 18 percent of the salary of Merzlikins, who is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.