Toronto Maple Leafs working on a big trade involving Knies and Marchenko

The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be done making changes to their roster just yet.

Late last week, news broke that the Leafs were one of several teams checking in on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko. The 26-year-old has been heavily involved in trade speculation throughout the offseason.

Now, it sounds as though the Leafs aren't just interested in Marchenko, but are leading the charge. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the two sides are now quite far along in trade discussions.

"There is word this afternoon the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs are deep in discussions on a trade involving Kirill Marchenko," Friedman tweeted.

Perhaps even more significant is who the Maple Leafs are reportedly parting ways with.

As per TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Leafs are prepared to include winger Matthew Knies in the deal. It's also believed that several other pieces are included, though it's unclear exactly what just yet.

The proposed Leafs-Blue Jackets trade involves multiple pieces, including Knies and Marchenko, and it's not a done deal yet. Both teams still working through things. Plus Leafs negotiating with Marchenko's agent Dan Milstein.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 28, 2026

Marchenko is set to enter the final year of a three-year contract which carries a $3.85 million cap hit. He's set to become a RFA upon the deal's expiry, though it may not reach that point.

"It sounds like Columbus gave Toronto permission to speak to Marchenko about an extension," Friedman wrote. "Not sure how the final deal will look. The teams discussed other players as the Blue Jackets try to alleviate cap crunch."

Acquiring Marchenko would be a huge addition to the Leafs' already-dangerous top-six forward group.

The Russian winger has scored north of 20 goals in all four of his NHL seasons, and has racked up 141 points over his 155 games. The 2025-26 campaign saw him rack up 27 goals and 67 points in 76 outings.

The biggest hurdle for Toronto was getting the money to work, though including Knies and his $7.75 million cap hit would help do just that. That said, losing the 23-year-old would be a blow for the Maple Leafs, as he put up an impressive 23 goals and 66 points last season.

While there is still work between the two sides to be completed, it appears as though Marchenko will be calling Toronto home in the very near future.