Matthew Knies to Columbus: The strange end to a Maple Leafs success story

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded winger Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a permanent blockbuster deal shortly before the season began. Along with Knies, Toronto sent defenseman Emil Andrae, forward Steven Lorentz, and a second-round draft pick to Columbus. In exchange, the Maple Leafs acquired winger Kirill Marchenko, winger Miles Wood, and goaltender Elvis Merzļikins.

The trade marks a major move by Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka. Columbus star Marchenko signed a six-year, $75 million extension with Toronto that carries an average annual value of $12.5 million. Knies expressed shock at the rapid development after previously believing trade speculation had ended during the preseason.