Auston Matthews Reacts to Matthew Knies/Kirill Marchenko Trade

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews shared his reaction to the blockbuster trade that sent Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Kirill Marchenko. Speaking after Toronto's 3-2 season-opening loss to the Montreal Canadiens, Matthews acknowledged that the team will miss Knies' personality and impact, while also expressing excitement about welcoming Marchenko to the roster.

The trade saw Toronto send Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrade, and a second-round pick to Columbus for Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, and Miles Wood. Following the permanent trade, Marchenko signed a six-year, $75 million contract extension with Toronto and registered an assist with four shots in his debut.