What are the Maple Leafs getting — and losing — in the Marchenko-Knies trade?, tell me about this news in (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7641082/2026/09/28/maple-leafs-marchenko-knies-trade-chayka/)
29-09-2026
In the blockbuster multi-player trade between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Maple Leafs made major changes to their roster on the eve of the NHL season.
What the Maple Leafs are getting:
Winger Kirill Marchenko, whom they also signed to a six-year, $75 million contract extension carrying an AAV of $12.5 million. Marchenko brings high-end offensive production, coming off a season where he notched 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games, along with consistent 20-plus goal seasons in each of his NHL years and elite shootout skill.
Forward Miles Wood.
Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (with Columbus retaining a portion of his salary to help facilitate the cap logistics).
What the Maple Leafs are losing:
Winger Matthew Knies, a young power forward and key core piece who recorded a career-best 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games the previous season despite battling injuries.
Forward Steven Lorentz.
Defenceman Emil Andrae.
A conditional 2027 second-round draft pick.
The deal largely centers around Toronto acquiring an elite offensive weapon in Marchenko and locking him up long-term, while shipping out a younger, physical core piece in Knies alongside supplementary pieces to balance the salary cap constraints.