The Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets are working through a trade framework centered on Kirill Marchenko, but the deal is still not finished.
Pierre LeBrun reported that the discussions include multiple pieces, with Matthew Knies part of the conversation. That detail raises the stakes for Toronto, since Knies would represent more than just a future asset in a package for Marchenko. The rest of the return has not been identified, which leaves the full shape of the proposal unclear.
Elliotte Friedman first reported Monday that Toronto and Columbus were deep in trade talks involving Marchenko. After that, LeBrun added that Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, had permission to speak with the Maple Leafs about a contract extension. Chris Johnston later reported that no extension had been reached, and those talks were expected to continue this afternoon.
LeBrun wrote: “The proposed Leafs-Blue Jackets trade involves multiple pieces, including Knies and Marchenko, and it's not a done deal yet. Both teams still working through things. Plus Leafs negotiating with Marchenko's agent Dan Milstein.”
The extension piece matters for Toronto’s side of the equation. Before parting with Knies and other assets, the Leafs would want clarity on whether Marchenko can be kept beyond his current deal and what that would require. Columbus, meanwhile, has to decide whether the overall package is enough to justify moving the winger.
For now, the talks are advanced enough to involve named players and direct contact with Marchenko’s agent, but nothing has been finalized. The terms can still shift as the negotiations continue.
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