Maple Leafs & Blue Jackets Blockbuster: Knies-for-Marchenko Trade Details Emerge

There is word this afternoon that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs are deep in discussions on a trade involving Kirill Marchenko. Nothing is finalized yet, but several insiders say the deal is being worked in, is close, or that it’s simply a matter of getting the finer details done.

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David Pagnotta writes, “Columbus/Toronto are indeed finalizing a trade involving Matthew Knies and Kirill Marchenko, per sources.”

Emily Kaplan writes, “As the Leafs and Blue Jackets work on a Kirill Marchenko trade (as @FriedgeHNIC first reported), hearing Matthew Knies would go to Columbus. Also, sounds like the trade will only go through with Marchenko agreeing to an extension in Toronto — which is being worked on now.”

Pierre LeBrun writes, “The proposed Leafs-Blue Jackets trade involves multiple pieces, including Knies and Marchenko, and it’s not a done deal yet. Both teams still working through things. Plus Leafs negotiating with Marchenko’s agent Dan Milstein.”

Chris Johnston notes, “Further to this: There are believed to be multiple players involved in the brewing #CBJ–#leafs trade to help with cap offset ahead of today’s 5 p.m. ET opening night roster deadline. Plus the need for Toronto to get an extension in place with Kirill Marchenko.” James Mirtle adds, “Knies makes almost exactly $4M more than Marchenko this season so making the money work will be part of this deal with both teams at the cap. Merzlikins going on LTIR for season as part of trade makes sense.”

This Is A Huge Trade Between the Leafs and Blue Jackets

Marchenko has been at the center of trade rumors throughout the summer, and speculation intensified recently after he suggested to the media that he didn’t want to sign long-term in Columbus. He’s coming off back-to-back big seasons, with 31 goals and 74 points in 2024-25 and 27 goals and 67 points in 2025-26.

Knies, meanwhile, has also been a frequent subject of trade talk this summer, even after Leafs GM John Chayka tried to quiet it down. The 23-year-old winger is entering year two of a six-year, $7.75 million AAV contract, and has 67 goals and 160 points in 240 career games.

Other reporters have added pieces to the picture. Elliotte Friedman has indicated the Maple Leafs could also receive goaltender Elvis Merzlikins in the deal if it’s finalized. Columbus GM Don Waddell has been clear that he wants immediate scoring help back, not picks or prospects, which may explain why Toronto’s offer is reportedly built around Knies rather than futures.

Nothing is finalized. Both sides are still working through the framework, and Marchenko’s camp is negotiating an extension with Toronto simultaneously.