The Toronto Maple Leafs might not be done making big moves after acquiring Kirill Marchenko, whom the Montreal Canadiens coveted as they continue their search for a scoring forward.
The Toronto Maple Leafs shook up the trade market on the eve of the regular season by acquiring Kirill Marchenko in a six-player deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs were the only club willing to meet the Blue Jackets' asking price of a young scoring forward, sending Matthews Knies to Columbus in the deal.
Marchenko had little time to adjust to his new club before taking to the ice with the Leafs in their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens. Nevertheless, he had an assist and looked good despite their 3-2 loss to the Habs.
The Canadiens were among the suitors for Marchenko. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported they were pushing the hardest to land him. They even looked into getting a third team involved to send the Blue Jackets the forward they wanted.
Despite landing Marchenko, Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka isn't done making moves. LeBrun's colleague Chris Johnston said they could use some of their future assets to acquire players who can help their roster immediately.
The Maple Leafs traded their 2027 first-round pick to the Boston Bruins, but they have the Colorado Avalanche's first-rounder. It's top-10 protected, but the Avalanche aren't expected to be among this season’s bottom feeders.
Johnston suggested the Maple Leafs could dangle that pick as a trade chip. He also noted they have some young prospects to use as trade bait.
Chayka's willing to be aggressive in the trade market because he's trying to build a roster that convinces team captain Auston Matthews to sign a contract extension next summer. He'll likely target players in their twenties on long-term contracts or willing to be part of the Leafs long-range plans.
What's Next For The Canadiens?
As for the Canadiens, Marchenko is the second scoring winger that GM Kent Hughes tried to acquire this season. He also pursued Knies before this year's trade deadline but couldn't get a deal done in time.
LeBrun believes the Canadiens will continue "big-game hunting." He pointed out that they'll have plenty of salary-cap flexibility next summer, suggesting that if a big fish like Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid becomes available, they would be all over it.
Time will tell if McDavid (or Auston Matthews?) will be looking to move next summer. In the meantime, Hughes will keep monitoring this season’s trade market, especially by the March 1 trade deadline, which could provide his best opportunity for a big splash.
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