Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Kirill Marchenko returns to Columbus after trade to Maple Leafs
Kirill Marchenko returns to Columbus on Tuesday to face the Blue Jackets, his former team.
The Maple Leafs acquired the 26-year-old winger from Columbus in a trade just before the NHL season began, sending Matthew Knies the other way.
Marchenko has 10 points in 10 games for Toronto, including a hat trick in a recent loss to Buffalo.
Knies started strongly in Columbus but has gone five games without a point.
The trade is being judged on both players’ early results, though the season is still young.
Marchenko had told Columbus he did not plan to re-sign, and coach Rick Bowness said the team wanted players who were committed to being there.
Marchenko says he will focus on his game in what he called a special night; the sources give no further details about what happens after Tuesday’s game.
Kirill Marchenko returned to Columbus on Tuesday to play the Blue Jackets after being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The trade took place on the eve of the NHL season, with Matthew Knies going to Columbus.
Marchenko had four goals and 10 points in 10 games for Toronto before the return.
He said he was unsure what to expect emotionally and would focus on his game.
Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness said Marchenko was an outstanding player but had not wanted to stay with the club.
- Who
- Kirill Marchenko and the Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- What
- Marchenko returned to Columbus to play his former team after being traded to Toronto.
- When
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
- Where
- Columbus.
- Why
- The Maple Leafs acquired Marchenko in a trade with the Blue Jackets on the eve of the NHL season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Toronto acquired Marchenko from Columbus in a trade that sent Matthew Knies to the Blue Jackets.
Marchenko said he was unsure what to expect after Toronto beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1.
Marchenko returned to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets.
- Toronto points
- 10 in 10 games
- Toronto goals
- 4
- Trade return
- Matthew Knies went to Columbus
- Marchenko contract extension
- Six years, $75 million
- Toronto ice time
- 18:36 per game
3 sources
What people are saying
I don’t know about my emotions; it’s my first time in this position
It’s interesting. I’ll try and focus on my game. It’s just another game, but it will be a special night.
I have nothing but respect for Kirill; he’s just an outstanding hockey player, he really is
Very few that can impact winning and can single-handedly dictate outcomes of games and we believe that Kirill is one of those players for us.