How the Blue Jackets, Leafs pulled off the Kirill Marchenko trade at the last possible second

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell revealed that the blockbuster trade sending forward Kirill Marchenko and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to the Toronto Maple Leafs was completed with just 20 seconds remaining before the roster deadline. In exchange, Columbus acquired forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz along with a 2027 draft pick right before the start of the 2026-27 NHL regular season.

Speaking on Leafs Morning Take, Waddell explained that talks intensified over the preceding weekend, noting Columbus sought NHL-ready talent rather than rebuilding assets. Despite Waddell believing the trade might fall through late Monday afternoon, the permanent swap was finalized at 4:59:40 PM.