The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko in a blockbuster trade on the eve of the NHL season, the clubs announced Monday.
The Maple Leafs traded top-line winger Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a 2027 second-round pick for Marchenko, forward Miles Wood and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.
Marchenko, 26, led the Blue Jackets in goals in each of the past three seasons, amassing 81 goals in 233 games. After being drafted 49th in 2018, Marchenko had 208 points in 292 games with the Blue Jackets, skating to a plus-8. He’s expected to slot onto the Leafs’ top line with star center Auston Matthews.
Knies is the centerpiece of the deal for Columbus. The 23-year-old power winger is entering his fifth NHL season and signed through 2031. Drafted 57th in 2021 by Toronto, the Arizona native had 66 points in 79 games (23 goals, 43 assists) last season. Knies has been in trade rumors for at least two seasons. His contract carries a $7.75 million average annual value.
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