'I Don't Know What They Will Do': Maple Leafs’ Kirill Marchenko Doesn’t Know What To Expect In Return To Columbus

Following their third win of the season on Monday against the San Jose Sharks, the Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for the second night of a back-to-back against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

This will mark the first time Kirill Marchenko goes back to Ohio since being traded to Toronto, and he will face his old team.

"It's always good to be back on the Columbus, and but I'm first time on this position right now, and I don't know what's my feeling be," Marchenko said after the Leafs' 3-1 win on Monday. "I try to focus on my game, and it's just another game tomorrow. It's still be special night, but I have like a lot of positive, and I want to just come and play the game."

It was a slightly messy breakup for Marchenko and the Blue Jackets. There was an understanding that the 26-year-old didn't want to stay in Columbus beyond his expiring contract. Eventually, a day before the regular season, Leafs GM John Chayka acquired him in a blockbuster deal and signed him to an eight-year contract for $12.5 million per season.

Given the way he left Columbus, especially when he denied that he likes playing hockey there, the reaction from the crowd of him returning to Nationwide Arena might not be a positive one. Marchenko himself isn't sure what the reaction will be.

"I don't know," he said. "I really appreciate fans in Columbus when I play there. It will be awesome, good time, and I don't want to say anything else because I don't know what they will do. It's not on me. It's not my control right now. I just focus on my game and try to be ready for a game tomorrow."

Marchenko played four seasons with the Blue Jackets, appearing in 292 games, scoring 102 goals and 208 points. Last year, he put up 27 goals and 67 points in 76 outings for Columbus.

The Russian was asked further about his relationship with Columbus' head coach Rick Bowness and his time with the team.

"He's a good coach," Marchenko said. "We have a good time together. And actually, now I'm Toronto. Yeah, I just more focus on my game, and what's going to do tomorrow for it. To have two points for the team, and I appreciate it for everybody in Columbus, for coaches, organization, team, players, fans. It was a good time, good time there. But now it's new step. And I just just playing my team right now for Toronto Maple Leafs. try to do my best."

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