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Blue Jackets GM Issues Statement After Blockbuster Trade

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell issued a statement after a blockbuster trade on the eve of the start of the NHL season.The Blue Jackets sent winger Kirill Marchenko, goalie Elvis Merzlikins, and winger Miles Wood to the Toronto…

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 11:40 AM
Blue Jackets GM Issues Statement After Blockbuster Trade
Key Things to Know
  • Columbus acquired Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae, and a second-round pick via permanent trade.
  • The Blue Jackets traded Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, and Miles Wood to Toronto.
  • General manager Don Waddell released a statement thanking the departing players for their contributions.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell issued a statement following a major trade completed on the eve of the 2026-27 NHL season. The Blue Jackets traded winger Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, and winger Miles Wood to Toronto in exchange for winger Matthew Knies, center Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a second-round draft pick.

Waddell publicly thanked Marchenko, Merzlikins, and Wood for their contributions to the organization. The move came after Marchenko requested a trade from Columbus, with the Blue Jackets adding 23-year-old Knies to a core featuring center Adam Fantilli.

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