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Maple Leafs confirm 6-year extension for Kirill Marchenko after trade

By Thomson Reuters Sep 29, 2026 | 5:46 PM

By Field Level Media

Sep 29 (Field Level Media) – One day after acquiring Kirill Marchenko in a blockbuster trade on the eve ​of the regular season, the Toronto Maple ‌Leafs confirmed Tuesday that the forward signed a six-year contract extension.

The team did not disclose the financial terms, but Marchenko’s agent previously announced that the deal was worth $75 ‌million, ​for an average annual value ⁠of $12.5 million.

The Leafs acquired ⁠Marchenko, fellow forward Miles Wood and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, sending forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz, ​defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft to the Jackets.

Marchenko, 26, ⁠was entering the final ⁠season of a three-year contract with ​a $3.85 million cap hit. When it begins next season, ​Marchenko’s new deal will carry Toronto’s second-highest ‌average annual value, behind only captain Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million.

The Russian winger gives the Maple Leafs another proven scorer after an offseason filled with roster ⁠turnover. He’ll join the likes of Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and No. 1 overall draft pick Gavin ⁠McKenna in Toronto’s ‌forward group.

Marchenko recorded 27 goals ⁠and 40 assists in 76 games ​last season. ‌He has scored at least 20 ​goals in ⁠each of his four NHL campaigns, highlighted by career highs of 31 goals and 74 points in 2024-25.

The Maple Leafs host the rival Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday to kick off the 2026-27 season.

(–Field ​Level Media)