Maple Leafs deep in talks to acquire sniper Kirill Marchenko from Blue Jackets - Toronto Star

The hulking, six-foot-three Russian winger had 27 goals last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Maple Leafs are reportedly in talks to acquire forward Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Maple Leafs are on the cusp of adding right winger Kirill Marchenko on the eve of the 2026-27 NHL season in what would be a surprise trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Star has confirmed the Leafs have permission to negotiate an extension with the six-foot-three Russian winger.

The cost could be high: Matthew Knies is expected to be the key piece going the other way, according to various reports,  including Sportsnet and TSN.

The deal is not confirmed, and there could be other players, prospects or draft picks involved. Asked about those rumours on Monday, GM John Chayka said: “I don’t know if the trade rumours will ever stop around here.”

Marchenko would bring high-end scoring ability, with 27 goals last year, to the Maple Leafs top-six forwards. The Jackets made him available after being unable to secure the 26-year-old to a long-term extension. He makes $3.85 million (U.S.) this season and is due to be a restricted free agent July 1.  

Knies has had a so-so camp, with trade rumours hanging over his head for the last six months. Though the team’s top left winger, he lost his job on the top power play.

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It’s fair to say Knies doesn’t  want to go, but without a no-trade protection, he has no choice. Knies had expressed a desire to remain a Leaf for life when word he was on the trade block emerged. He’s just 23.

That and his six-foot-three, 231-pound frame make desirable on any team, as does his team-friendly contract. He has five years left on a deal that pays him $7.75 million a year.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a long time before I give up this jersey,” Knies told the Star early in camp.

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Kevin McGran is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow him on Bluesky @kevinmcgran