Kirill Marchenko has a new team and a massive new contract after the Toronto Maple Leafs made one of the NHL’s biggest moves just before the season began.
Toronto acquired the 26-year-old forward from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a blockbuster trade centered around Matthew Knies. Marchenko then agreed to a six-year, $75 million contract extension that will begin next season.
The move gives Toronto another established scoring threat while ending Marchenko’s time in Columbus. The Blue Jackets had been facing the possibility of Marchenko becoming a restricted free agent after the 2026-27 season, while the player had not planned to sign a long-term deal with Columbus.
Toronto made a major move before opening night
The Maple Leafs acquired Marchenko, forward Miles Wood and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins from Columbus. In return, Toronto sent Knies, Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a 2027 second-round draft pick to the Blue Jackets.
The deal arrived just before Toronto’s season opener and represented a significant change to the team’s forward group. Marchenko immediately became one of the most prominent additions to a roster already featuring Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
Toronto also secured Marchenko’s future at the same time. His new six-year agreement carries an average annual value of $12.5 million and runs through the 2032-33 season.
Marchenko brings proven scoring ability
Marchenko is coming off a productive 2025-26 season with Columbus. He recorded 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games, leading the Blue Jackets in goals and finishing second on the team in total points.
He has also established himself as a consistent goal scorer since entering the NHL. Marchenko has scored at least 20 goals in each of his four NHL seasons, with his best campaign coming in 2024-25 when he produced 31 goals and 74 points.
Through 292 NHL games, Marchenko has 208 points, including 102 goals and 106 assists. He has led Columbus in goals over the past three seasons, giving Toronto a forward with an established scoring record.
Fun fact: Marchenko made his NHL debut during the 2022-23 season after spending several seasons playing professionally in Russia.
His contract puts him near Toronto’s top
Marchenko’s new contract will make him one of Toronto’s highest-paid players. His $12.5 million average annual value will rank below only Matthews’ $13.25 million among Maple Leafs players, according to the latest reporting.
The extension does not begin immediately because Marchenko still has one season remaining on his previous Columbus contract. That deal carried an $11.55 million total value and a $3.85 million annual cap hit.
The long-term agreement gives Toronto certainty beyond the upcoming campaign. It also reflects the organization’s decision to make Marchenko a significant part of its plans rather than treating the acquisition as a one-season gamble.
Matthew Knies became the key return
Knies was the centerpiece of the package going back to Columbus. The 23-year-old forward is coming off a career-best season in which he recorded 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points in 79 games.
He also brings playoff experience to the Blue Jackets. Knies has recorded 14 points in 27 career postseason games, including eight goals and six assists, after being selected by Toronto in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
Columbus general manager Don Waddell described Knies as a big, strong power forward with physicality and offensive skill. Knies is signed through the 2030-31 season on a six-year, $46.5 million contract carrying a $7.75 million annual average value.
Columbus also received other pieces
The Blue Jackets did not receive Knies alone. Lorentz, Andrae, and the 2027 second-round selection also moved to Columbus as part of the transaction.
Toronto received Wood and Merzlikins, along with Marchenko. Wood had eight goals and 14 points in 54 games last season, while Merzlikins went 14-11-3 with a 3.40 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage in 30 appearances.
Merzlikins is expected to provide additional goaltending depth, although he is currently dealing with an injury. The Blue Jackets are also retaining 18% of his salary as part of the trade.
Marchenko adds another offensive option
Toronto now has another proven scorer alongside its established offensive core. Marchenko is primarily a right wing but has experience on the opposite side, giving the Maple Leafs flexibility with their forward combinations.
Marchenko opened the season on Toronto’s top line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic. The trio remained together early in the season, giving Toronto another right-handed shooting threat alongside its captain.
Marchenko also brings considerable speed and transition offense. NHL EDGE data showed he scored 15 goals off the rush in 2025-26, tied for fifth in the NHL, while ranking among the league’s fastest forwards.
Fun fact: Marchenko scored 21 goals in 59 games as an NHL rookie in 2022-23.
Toronto now has major expectations
The Marchenko deal gives Toronto a significant new piece as the 2026-27 season begins. The Maple Leafs have reshaped their roster during the offseason, and Marchenko’s contract shows the organization views him as part of that longer-term direction.
For Marchenko, the move provides a fresh start with a team that expects to compete immediately. He leaves Columbus after leading the Blue Jackets in goals for three consecutive seasons and joins a roster built around several established offensive players.
The six-year commitment also means the trade will be judged over more than just the opening season. Toronto has committed significant money and moved a young, productive forward in Knies, making Marchenko’s production one of the major storylines surrounding the Maple Leafs.
TL;DR
- Kirill Marchenko joined the Toronto Maple Leafs from Columbus in a blockbuster trade involving Matthew Knies.
- Marchenko agreed to a six-year, $75 million extension carrying a $12.5 million average annual value.
- The 26-year-old forward recorded 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games for Columbus last season.
- Toronto also acquired Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins while sending Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae, and a 2027 second-round pick to Columbus.
- Marchenko now joins Toronto’s offensive group alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and 2026 first overall pick Gavin McKenna.
Read More From This Brand:
- Marchenko leads Blue Jackets past Flyers 2-1 in shootout
- Why the Maple Leafs gained more clarity on Auston Matthews’ plans
- Craziest Overtime Moments in NHL History
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
