Kirill Marchenko is at the centre of renewed NHL trade speculation involving the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Matthew Knies emerging as one of the names being discussed as a potential piece in any major deal.
No trade involving Marchenko or Knies had been announced by the Columbus Blue Jackets or Maple Leafs as of Monday, September 28, 2026.
Table of Contents
Why Kirill Marchenko is drawing interest
Marchenko is a 24-year-old right-winger who has established himself as one of Columbus’s most dangerous scoring threats.
The Russian forward produced 31 goals and 70 points during the 2024-25 season, becoming one of the Blue Jackets’ most productive offensive players and one of the team’s key young assets.
Columbus signed Marchenko to a three-year contract worth $11.55 million in July 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2026-27 NHL season.
That contract gives the Blue Jackets control over his immediate future, meaning any team pursuing him would likely need to make a significant offer rather than rely on a short-term rental arrangement.
Matthew Knies remains central to the discussion
Knies has also become one of Toronto’s most important young forwards since joining the Maple Leafs.
The 23-year-old winger recorded a career-high 66 points last season and has played an important role alongside Auston Matthews because of his size, net-front presence, forechecking and ability to win battles along the boards.
Toronto signed Knies to a six-year contract worth $46.5 million in July 2025, a commitment that reflects the organization’s view of him as more than a short-term supporting player.
Knies has previously been the subject of trade speculation, but Toronto has continued to describe him as a valuable part of its forward group.
What a potential trade would mean for both teams
For Toronto, Marchenko would offer another natural goal scorer who could add finishing ability to a lineup built around Matthews and William Nylander.
He could also give the Maple Leafs another right-side option on the power play and provide greater depth if the club wants to spread its scoring across multiple lines.
The cost would be significant, however, because Knies is younger, signed long term and already fills several difficult roles for Toronto.
Moving Knies would remove a physical, versatile forward who can contribute without needing the puck on every shift.
For Columbus, acquiring Knies would provide a strong two-way winger who could fit into a younger core while giving the Blue Jackets a player with substantial upside and multiple years of team control.
The Blue Jackets would also need to weigh whether Marchenko’s offensive production is difficult enough to replace that a one-for-one exchange would make sense.
Key contract and production comparison
| Player | Position | Recent key figure | Contract status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirill Marchenko | Right wing | 31 goals, 70 points in 2024-25 | Signed through 2026-27 at $3.85 million annually |
| Matthew Knies | Left wing | Career-high 66 points in 2025-26 | Signed through 2030-31 at $7.75 million annually |
No confirmed deal yet
The current discussion remains at the rumour and exploratory stage rather than the completed-trade stage.
There is also no public confirmation that Knies is the final player Toronto would offer, or that Columbus has made him a required part of a Marchenko package.
Other roster players, prospects and draft selections could become part of negotiations if the two clubs move beyond preliminary discussions.
The situation could change quickly as teams finalize their rosters before the 2026-27 regular season, but speculation alone does not establish that a trade is close.
For now, Marchenko remains a Blue Jacket and Knies remains part of Toronto’s projected top-six forward group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have the Maple Leafs traded for Kirill Marchenko?
No. Toronto and Columbus had not announced a trade involving Marchenko as of September 28, 2026.
Could Matthew Knies be part of a Marchenko trade?
Knies has been mentioned in trade speculation, but there is no confirmed offer or agreement involving him.
How old is Kirill Marchenko?
Marchenko is 24 years old as of September 2026.
What contract does Matthew Knies have?
Knies signed a six-year, $46.5-million contract with Toronto in July 2025.
Why would Toronto want Marchenko?
Marchenko would give the Maple Leafs another proven young goal scorer and a potential power-play option.
Fact-Checked: Key contract, player-production and roster facts were checked against official NHL and team information.
Disclaimer: Trade discussions can change quickly, and unconfirmed rumours should not be treated as completed transactions.