Former Leafs D-man Marchenko interested to return to NHL

It might have been a short stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs but defenseman Alexey Marchenko is reportedly interested in coming back to the NHL. 

Elliotte Friedman has revealed in his latest 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet that Marchenko is looking to return from the KHL, where he’s been playing for the past three seasons. 

“NHL teams got a note last week that Alexey Marchenko is interested in returning to North America. The right-shot blueliner played 121 games for Detroit and Toronto before going to KHL CSKA Moscow the past three seasons. He’s looking for something around the $1.5-million range.”

Marchenko played just 11 games with Toronto before he was placed on waivers and left the NHL. He collected a goal and an assist with the Maple Leafs. 

He ended up in Toronto once he was claimed off the waiver wire, where he was placed by the Detroit Red Wings. 

In 121 games in the NHL, Marchenko recorded four goals and 21 points, along with 26 penalty minutes. 

Will teams show interest for his services?