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Blue Jackets trade Marchenko to Maple Leafs as part of major 7-player deal

Prior to opening week, the Columbus Blue Jackets shipped forward Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a seven-player blockbuster. The transaction also sent goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and left wing Miles Wood northward in exchange for Matthew Knies, Emil Andrae, Steven Lorentz, and a conditional 2027 second-round draft choice.

Marchenko, who was in his contract year and had previously signaled he would not sign a long-term extension in Columbus, immediately agreed to a six-year, $75 million deal with his new club.

In return, the Blue Jackets secured Knies, a powerful young forward coming off a 66-point campaign who is projected to feature prominently on their top lines. The trade also incorporates Merzlikins, currently sidelined on long-term injured reserve due to a shoulder issue, alongside other depth pieces like the recently waived Wood, former Stanley Cup champion Lorentz, and defenseman Andrae.

Columbus general manager Don Waddell orchestrated the massive roster shuffle just as the NHL prepared to launch its season.

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