Reports that the Leafs and Blue Jackets have pulled off a blockbuster trade

UPDATE: The deal reportedly includes Matthew Knies going to Columbus.

Stay tuned for more details.

Kirill Marchenko’s time with the Columbus Blue Jackets could be coming to an end, and if the latest report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is accurate, the talented Russian winger could soon be heading north of the border to join the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Friedman reported Monday that the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets are in “deep discussions” on a trade involving Marchenko, suddenly putting one of Columbus’ most important young forwards at the centre of one of the biggest NHL stories heading into the 2026-27 season. It is worth noting, however, that as of the report, the trade had not officially been completed. The two sides were still working toward a deal, with the return going back to Columbus yet to be disclosed.

For Marchenko, this would mark a significant change after four seasons with the Blue Jackets. Columbus selected the 6-foot-3 winger 49th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, but it took several years before he made the jump to North America. He finally arrived in the NHL during the 2022-23 season and immediately showed why the Blue Jackets had been so patient with his development.

Marchenko scored 21 goals and 25 points in just 59 games during his rookie campaign. He followed that up with 23 goals and 42 points in 78 games in 2023-24 before taking another major step forward the following season.

In 2024-25, Marchenko exploded for 31 goals, 43 assists and 74 points in 79 games, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players on the Columbus roster. He followed that performance with another strong campaign in 2025-26, recording 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games.

Through 292 NHL games, Marchenko has accumulated 102 goals and 208 points, giving him an impressive scoring profile for a player who is still only 26 years old.

The trade speculation surrounding Marchenko has been building for much of the offseason. Earlier this summer, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said Marchenko would be with Columbus when the season began, but the winger's future has continued to generate questions as he approaches the final season of his current contract.

That contract is particularly interesting for Toronto. Marchenko carries a $3.85 million cap hit this season before becoming a restricted free agent next summer, making him an intriguing addition for a Maple Leafs team looking for more offensive firepower.

For Toronto, acquiring Marchenko would potentially give the club another big, skilled winger capable of contributing in the top six. He has already demonstrated that he can consistently score 25-plus goals while continuing to develop his overall game.

For Columbus, meanwhile, moving Marchenko would represent a major decision. This is not simply a depth forward being moved out of town. Marchenko has developed into one of the Blue Jackets’ premier offensive players, and any trade involving him figures to have a significant impact on the team's lineup.

The big question now is what Toronto is willing to surrender to get him.

As of Monday, Friedman’s report points to serious negotiations between the two clubs, not an officially completed trade. But with the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets reportedly deep into discussions, Marchenko’s Columbus chapter could be nearing its final pages — and Toronto could be preparing to add one of the NHL’s emerging scoring wingers to its lineup.