The Toronto Maple Leafs emerged as a potential landing spot for Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, and the franchise’s plans have now surfaced in full.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Friday’s episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast that Toronto has attempted to keep its pursuit quiet, but the organization’s plans have now leaked.
“Toronto, I think, has really tried to keep their interest secret, but it’s kind of seeped out,” Friedman said, while also mentioning the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken as other interested teams.
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos first identified Toronto among three Canadian teams positioned to pursue Marchenko, alongside the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.
“Kirill Marchenko, who desperately wants out of Columbus, should have an easier time doing so since he doesn’t have any trade protection on his contract, so it comes down to the Blue Jackets finding a deal they like,” Kypreos wrote. “Furthermore, he’s a pending RFA with arbitration rights so a team trading for him won’t just be getting a one-year rental. Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal seem poised to try and make something work with Columbus.”
Marchenko scored 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season. He carries a $3.85 million cap hit in the final season of the three-year, $11.55 million extension he signed in 2024 and will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell clarified the franchise’s position regarding Marchenko’s future on Thursday. Per Mark Scheig, Waddell said he is not actively shopping Marchenko, but he is willing to listen to offers built around NHL-ready players.
Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
“I’m not making the calls,” Waddell said. “I’m taking the calls.”
Waddell also did not rule out Marchenko remaining with Columbus beyond this season if the Blue Jackets do not receive an offer they consider worthwhile.
The Blue Jackets recently signed fellow forward Adam Fantilli to a six-year, $82.5 million deal, putting the franchise $1.2 million over the cap just days before the start of the 2026-27 NHL season.
