Blockbuster In Waiting?: Maple Leafs Among 3 Teams Linked to Marchenko

The Kirill Marchenko drama in Columbus hasn’t quieted down. Many feel he’s unlikely to stay with the Blue Jackets long-term, despite being at training camp and working hard. He hasn’t directly addressed his future, which has led to speculation about where he might land.

While the Blue Jackets try to sort out their situations with Marchenko, Zach Werenski, and Adam Fantilli, the rest of the league may be watching. The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly among the teams with an interest.

Are the Maple Leafs Interested in Marchenko?

Nick Kypreos recently wrote in his recent trade bait board article that Marchenko clearly wants out of Columbus. He said he wants to play hockey, but refused to answer whether that meant with the Blue Jackets. The insider suggests the writing is on the wall.

He noted:

”Kirill Marchenko, who desperately wants out of Columbus, should have an easier time doing so since he doesn’t have any trade protection on his contract, so it comes down to the Blue Jackets finding a deal they like. Furthermore, he’s a pending RFA with arbitration rights so a team trading for him won’t just be getting a one-year rental.”

As for who Kypreos thinks is a trade target, he specifically mentioned Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal. He notes that all three “seem poised to try and make something work with Columbus.”

The Maple Leafs already have a potent offense, but adding another 30-goal scorer is intriguing. GM John Chayka is not beyond trying to make a splash, and Marchenko would qualify.

Is There A Blockbuster Deal Out There?

Clearly, the Blue Jackets don’t want to move Marchenko if he’d be willing to re-sign. If he isn’t, that could put them in a position to seek the best return possible. Where that leaves the Maple Leafs is unclear.

They have pieces they could move, but if Columbus wants to remain competitive — something they have to consider if the goal is to keep Werenski on the roster — targeting a player who can help immediately might matter most.

That makes Kypreos’s other comment fascinating. I’m not sure the Maple Leafs would consider this, but Kypreos writes the following about Matthew Knies:

“After rumours swirled about his availability last season, I’m keeping Knies as a player to watch because, aside from his size and speed, the greatest asset right now for Toronto is that there are no trade restrictions on Knies’ contract. The noise will not go away with a new season. Not many top-six forwards around the league are without any trade protection and if the Leafs are still looking to land a big fish, Knies is a candidate to go the other way.”

Marchenko is a big fish, no doubt. He also lacks trade protection, as does Knies. Meanwhile, new coach Jim Hiller doesn’t seem overly impressed with Knies at camp. “I thought he was better tonight; wasn’t that dangerous… I think he has been okay; I wouldn’t say strongly one way or the other. I think there’s more there for sure.”

Would Knies for Marchenko Straight Across Work?

Admittedly, Kypreos isn’t linking the two in a one-for-one trade, and it’s logical that he’s not. Here’s the issue for the Maple Leafs. Marchenko is on a team-friendly deal now, and he’s a legitimate offensive talent. Then again so is Knies.

The big difference is what Marchenko will cost a team versus what Knies will. Already locked into a long-term deal at a cap hit of $7.75 million until 2031. Marchenko could cost the Leafs (or any team that trades for him) $12-$13 million per season, depending on his production in 2026-27.

This is not just a one-for-one player swap. It’s about a contract swap that could cost the Leafs another $5 million per season. If the Leafs are in this Marchenko conversation, it feels more likely that Knies is not involved, even if that’s the simplest trade to make.