NHL News: Blockbuster ‘n’ Boko

On the eve of the new season, Toronto and Columbus swung a blockbuster trade yesterday involving six players. The Maple Leafs received talented 26-year-old right wing Kirill Marchenko, along with forward Miles Wood and goalie Elvis Merzlikins. The CBJ received power forward Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft. The 6’3” 201-pound Marchenko, who expressed a desire to leave Columbus, scored 27 goals and 67 points last season, on the heels of 31-goal, 74-point campaign in 2024-25. The Leafs promptly signed him to a six-year, $75 million extension. The 23-year-old Knies, a 6’3” 232-pound tank of a left wing, is nearly as accomplished offensively, tallying 52 goals and 124 points over the past two seasons. He happens to be a second-round pick (57th overall) of none other than Penguins POHO/GM Kyle Dubas. Totally different types of players, but each with pedigree. It’ll be interesting to see how the deal pans out…for both sides. Different Strokes Speaking of different types of players, guess who made the Panthers opening-night roster? Continue reading NHL News: Blockbuster ‘n’ Boko at Pittsburgh Penguins - PenguinPoop Blog.