A collection of thoughts on the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs trade
To the Columbus Blue Jackets: Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a 2027 2nd round pick (via Seattle)
To the Toronto Maple Leafs: Kirill Marchenko, Miles Wood, and Elvis Merzlikins (some retained salary – 18%). Marchenko agrees to a six-year contract extension with $12.5 million per season.
Arun Srinivasan: “Marchenko is an elite skater/ play-driver, the $12.5M per year is fair market value in the new NHL economy. Knies signed a team-friendly deal though, so it invites some immediate cost-benefit analysis.”
Arun Srinivasan: “This will be in the analysis, but Marchenko and Miles Wood certainly fit John Chayka and Jim Hiller’s demand for speed, speed and more speed. I always loved speaking with Steven Lorentz. Knies is a fan favourite, but the Maple Leafs are better constructed for tomorrow.”
Nick Alberga: “Gonna miss Matthew Knies in Toronto. Great player, even better human. That said, I think the Leafs improved today.”
The Mayor: “Trading Matthew Knies is just crazy.”
Scott Wheeler: “Only thing here that leaps out at me is the second round pick, given the bind the Blue Jackets were in.”
Justin Bourne: “Nobody seems to, I have to believe there’s something behind the scenes, whether he’s not happy or something … also just think the Leafs know they need to change their makeup. Were so slow last year, and Knies one of the few valued assets they have they can move. Weird though.”
Marco D’Amico: “Considering Marchenko had wanted out, Don Waddell did a fantastic job on this return. Clearing cap space, netting a 2nd and landing Knies is an absolute home run for him given his situation. Toronto gets one heck of a piece up front to join their core.” … “To be clear here, this is not a “winner” or “loser” situation. I simply think Waddell did much better than most anticipated he would when the news of Marchenko’s desire to leave broke out.”
Darren Dreger: “We will find out how the pieces of this beauty were put together, but trade talk between Columbus and the Leafs has been ongoing for weeks. Several teams in the league had eyes on Marchenko, but Knies put Toronto at the top.”
Mark Scheig: “To the Leafs media, you are getting one of the most fun guys to deal with in Kirill Marchenko. His last availability is not indicative of how he is. Was a fan favorite before the request came down.”
George Malik: “I can only speak from my perspective, but this seems like a good deal for both teams. Columbus gets grittier with Knies, Lorentz and Andrae are solid, and Columbus clears cap space by moving Elvis & Wood to TO, so they can reload and do something else with their assets. TO gets another offensive star and a back-up goaltender in case Stolarz gets hurt again.”
🚨Night Cap Recap 🚨
Kirill Marchenko Heads to Toronto Maple Leafs With Matthew Knies Going to Columbus in Big Hockey Trade #leafs #cbj pic.twitter.com/SFaLmsxOKi
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) September 28, 2026
Marchenko is 6’3, moves well, excellent hands, can carry the puck through traffic. More of a dual threat than last year’s numbers would indicate, although his shot is silky. Forechecks and doesn’t shy away from contact, although finesse and power with the puck is his forte. pic.twitter.com/7S8AUJz9Zp
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 28, 2026
Matthew Knies, acquired by CBJ, is a top-six power forward who brings a skilled complementary game. Big and very sturdy, effective at the wall and net-front. Great shot and tips pucks well too. Play dipped through injuries last season but flashed some playmaking improvements. pic.twitter.com/FaTsPfzQ1q
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 28, 2026
Centerpiece of the deal for Leafs is Marchenko. Few forwards have his blend of size, elite speed and shot. One of the more dangerous rush players in the league and effective puck mover. Good puck recovery as well. https://t.co/hFW2vcPql6 pic.twitter.com/6uQDoYmE4J
— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) September 28, 2026
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