Dan Milstein on Kirill Marchenko’s move to Toronto: how the trade happened, the contract, and what Marchenko brings

• To Toronto: Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins (with 18% salary retained), Miles Wood.
• To Columbus: Matthew Knies, Emil Andrae, Steven Lorentz, and a conditional 2027 second‑round pick.

Marchenko signed a six‑year, $75 million contract with Toronto. That contract was a central detail discussed on Leafs Morning Take and is reflected in team cap tracking for the 2026‑27 season.

How the move unfolded (Milstein's account)

Agent Dan Milstein appeared on Leafs Morning Take to describe the timeline and immediate logistics. He said they flew into Toronto at roughly 1:00 a.m., and Marchenko came straight to the rink to meet the coaching staff and some teammates. Milstein noted they were working on immigration paperwork and that the late timing left little downtime before the season opener.

Milstein also explained there were significant negotiations and issues that nearly derailed the deal. Those issues included contract details and clearing the administrative hurdles that follow an international trade and immediate extension. He spoke about Marchenko's reasons for joining Toronto and the player‑fit arguments that convinced his client to sign on.

The show's hosts analyzed the roster implications. Marchenko is viewed as a higher offensive ceiling player who can slot into the top lines and add dynamic scoring. Toronto traded away Matthew Knies, a fan favorite who had been the subject of trade rumors dating back to earlier offseason discussions. The hosts said losing Knies hurts the team's depth and character, but they argued the Leafs' overall roster capability improved given Marchenko's scoring upside.

Leafs players publicly expressed mixed emotions: sadness at losing Knies but excitement to add Marchenko. Former Leafs captain Max Pacioretty joined the program to offer perspective. Pacioretty praised Knies and said the Leafs must believe they are acquiring a special player in Marchenko. He also reflected on his own time in Toronto and commented on the rivalry context ahead of the season opener.

Additional topics discussed on Leafs Morning Take

• Andrew Raycroft's public comments about Marchenko's conditioning were addressed by Milstein during the interview. Milstein pushed back and discussed how conditioning and readiness were handled in the transition.
• The show previewed the season opener and considered whether Marchenko could be cleared to play given the immigration and paperwork timelines.