Maple Leafs In 'Deep Discussions' On Kirill Marchenko Trade
The Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs are deep in discussions on a trade involving Kirill Marchenko, per @FriedgeHNIC 👀 pic.twitter.com/79BwTIicAb
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 28, 2026
With Marchenko's reluctance to re-sign with the Blue Jackets as a restricted free agent after the season, the team has given his agent permission to speak with other teams to try to work out an extension. The Leafs are one of those teams, but their talks have obviously advanced to a point where they are the leading candidate.
Fellow insider David Pagnotta says talks are taking place this afternoon.
A Columbus/Toronto trade is not yet done, but if/when it is, a contract extension for Kirill Marchenko will follow. His agent, Dan Milstein, had permission to negotiate a deal with the Leafs.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 28, 2026
Marchenko had another excellent season for Columbus last season, in his third NHL campaign, with 27 goals and 67 points. That followed a 31-goal season with 74 points the year before.
Pierre LeBrun indicates that Matthew Knies is the prime piece going the other way if this is completed; he is the Leafs' best trade asset and has been on the rumor mill all summer.
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.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 28, 2026
Other names, like goalies Elvis Merzlikins (who will start the season on LTIR) and Anthony Stolarz, have been mentioned as part of these blockbuster discussions.
Stay tuned.