Marchenko’s First Goal With the Maple Leafs Could Spark a 30-Goal Season

While the first three games of the 2026-27 season have been a rollercoaster for the Toronto Maple Leafs, there have been some positives for the blue and white. Easton Cowan is showing early signs of being an impact player, Darren Raddysh is the offensive defenseman they needed, and Kirill Marchenko netted his first goal. Now that the first one is out of the way, could the newest Maple Leafs addition be in store for a 30-goal season?

First Goal of Many in Toronto for Marchenko

Despite losing 3-2 on Saturday, Oct. 3, to the Ottawa Senators, it was a good sign to see Marchenko score his first goal with the Maple Leafs. It was a great backhanded effort on the power play to give the home team their first lead at the 7:06 mark of the second period. The goal came in tight by the Senators’ goal following a great pass from Raddysh, who tallied his first assist.

Marchenko did a quick forehand-to-backhand and roofed it top shelf on netminder Linus Ullmark, giving the fans a glimpse of what they’re in for over the next seven seasons. After being traded to the Maple Leafs on Sept. 28, he signed a six-year, $75 million extension, keeping him in Toronto through the 2032-33 season. The extension will kick in on July 1, 2027, and will pay him $12.5 million annually.

After the game, Marchenko stated when asked about scoring his first goal with the Maple Leafs, “Oh, it’s an amazing feeling. And I’m happy for that so much, but I’d be most happy if we win the game today…unbelievable feeling and how fans support me too.”

Now that the first one is out of the way, could Marchenko reach 30 in his first season in the blue and white? In four seasons, he has scored 30 or more once, which came in 2024-25 with the Columbus Blue Jackets (31). However, he scored 27 goals last season in 76 games, so he can potentially reach 30 again. If he can play around 80 to 82 games, there is no reason he cannot add 29 more goals in that span.

What makes it possible for Marchenko to reach 30 goals again is his speed and quick release on the rush, which can catch opponents off-guard. Plus, his size and ability to win battles in the offensive zone could be a catalyst for more chances. His overall game is what they needed for a long time, and it could pay dividends for both sides.

While there are 81 games left in the 2026-27 season, Marchenko has shown promise of being the guy the Maple Leafs traded for the day before opening night. Even if it’s a season of highs and lows in Toronto, especially with a huge roster overhaul, patience is key as they try to find their identity. That said, it’s good for both sides to see the newest addition have two points in three games, especially his first goal.

The Maple Leafs’ next game is Oct. 6 against the Nashville Predators at home in Scotiabank Arena. It’s their last home game before hitting the road to face the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and the Utah Mammoth. While being 1-2-0 isn’t ideal to begin the season, there is still time to right the ship. If they win against the Predators, they’ll be in a better spot heading into the three-game road trip. Could Marchenko add another goal at home for the Maple Leafs in game four of the season?