Just like that, two notable trade targets are off the board.
It is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have been linked to both Kirill Marchenko and Matthew Knies in recent months.
Yet, both players are now officially no longer options for the Canadiens, as they have been traded in the same blockbuster deal.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, and Miles Wood.
Talk about a tough break for the Canadiens. They undoubtedly could have used one of Marchenko or Knies, but that possibility can now be forgotten. This is especially so with Marchenko also signing a six-year, $12.5 million AAV contract extension with Toronto.
With Marchenko and Knies being traded, the Canadiens will need to explore their options elsewhere if they want to add another top-six winger during this season.
It will now be interesting to see how the Canadiens respond after missing out on these high-impact wingers.
In 76 games last season for Columbus, Marchenko recorded 27 goals, 67 points, and a plus-7 rating. Knies, on the other hand, posted 23 goals and 66 points in 79 games for the Maple Leafs during this past season.
