Maple Leafs players react to Kirill Marchenko trade that sent Matthew Knies to Columbus

# What happened Jackets in a six-player trade announced on the eve of the 2026-27 regular season. The Leafs sent Matthew Knies, Emil Andrae, Steven Lorentz and a conditional 2027 second-round pick to Columbus. Marchenko also signed a six-year contract worth $75 million (AAV $12.5 million).

# Players' immediate reaction Leafs players described mixed feelings. Right-wing prospect Easton Cowan called Knies someone "you can look up to and someone you're close with," and said losing him was sad. Cowan added that trades are part of the business and that teammates are also excited to add Marchenko.

Jack Roslovic, who played with Marchenko in Columbus for parts of two seasons, offered a strong endorsement of Marchenko's character and work ethic. Roslovic said Marchenko is "off the charts skilled," praised his strength and stability, and pointed to his commitment in the gym and desire to help a franchise.

# What the coaches and management said GM John Chayka described Marchenko as one of the rare players who can dictate outcomes of games and said the club considered Marchenko a clear upgrade worth moving Knies for. Chayka also spoke highly of Knies before the trade.

Head coach Jim Hiller highlighted Marchenko's skating and ability to accelerate with the puck. Hiller noted Marchenko can distribute and shoot, calling him "a shot threat" and "a really, really strong addition." Hiller cautioned that Marchenko's work visas and paperwork may delay his availability for opening night.

• Skating: Coaches and players emphasized Marchenko's excellent skating and ability to maintain speed with the puck.
• Offense: Described as a dual-threat winger with a lethal shot that can rival Auston Matthews and playmaking skills when needed.
• Physical game: Teammates pointed to Marchenko's strength and stability on the puck.
• Locker-room fit: Roslovic and others praised Marchenko's work ethic and character off the ice.

# Immediate roster and lineup implications

# What remains uncertain

• Paperwork: Coach Hiller said Marchenko may not have his documents completed in time for opening night, so his immediate availability is uncertain.
• Integration: How quickly Marchenko adapts to the Maple Leafs' systems and chemistry with Matthews will determine the short-term impact.

# Bottom line The Leafs exchanged a popular young power forward and supporting pieces for an established, high-end winger under a long-term contract. Players and staff voiced both personal disappointment in losing Knies and optimism about Marchenko's ability to change games at the top-line level.