Maple Leafs had to make a big decision for the Kirill Marchenko extension

According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced two contract extension options for Kirill Marchenko during their trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Agent Dan Milstein presented Toronto with the choice between a five-year deal worth $12 million annually or a six-year deal at $12.5 million per season. The Maple Leafs ultimately selected the permanent six-year, $12.5 million per year extension.

Friedman also noted that the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets had to rework the overall trade due to NHL tagging rules. Because Toronto could not exceed next season's projected $113.5 million cap ceiling, the organization traded Emil Andrae to Columbus to remain fully compliant before Opening Night.