Marchenko shows glimpses of promise in whirlwind Maple Leafs debut
Kirill Marchenko made a successful debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs just hours after being traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite the short notice, he recorded an assist in his first game while playing on the top line.
Why it matters
The trade represents a significant roster shift for the Maple Leafs as they begin their 2026-27 NHL season.
TORONTO — Thirty hours before he took the ice under the Scotiabank Arena lights Tuesday night, before his Toronto Maple Leafs opened their new campaign with a roller-coaster test against the rival Montreal Canadiens, Kirill Marchenko was still a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The 26-year-old had waded through a full training camp over the past two weeks with the American club, had suited up for pre-season tilts draped in Columbus colours. Then came a down-to-the-wire blockbuster trade Monday night, a seven-piece deal that sent Marchenko east, a light-night flight to Ontario.
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