Kirill Marchenko’s first week in Toronto has moved at trade-deadline speed: a Monday-night flight from Columbus, two games on consecutive nights, a new long-term contract and, finally, a full practice with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic. The 26-year-old winger arrived at his Maple Leafs locker Friday to a crowd of reporters, cracked a joke that he spoke “no English,” then made clear he is enjoying the move.
Key takeaways
- Marchenko has one assist through his first two games as a Maple Leaf while averaging 19:12 per night.
- Toronto acquired Marchenko, Miles Wood and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins in a six-player trade with Columbus.
- The Maple Leafs sent Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a 2027 second-round selection to the Blue Jackets.
- Marchenko agreed to a six-year, $75 million deal that begins next season and carries a $12.5 million annual cap hit.
- Toronto will host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
A fast start with Matthews and Roslovic
Marchenko did not get a practice before making his Toronto debut, but Friday gave him a chance to work with Matthews and Roslovic after two games in the lineup. He said the line is starting to find its rhythm, even if he would have preferred a bigger contribution than his single assist so far.
“I’m very happy to be here, and it was great to have my first practice with my linemates,” Marchenko said. “We are becoming more comfortable together and beginning to build chemistry.”
He said the lack of time on the ice together made the opening adjustment difficult, but expects it to improve with each drill and practice. The group scored twice during Friday’s session, and Marchenko said that helped the trio feel more settled.
Roslovic is a familiar face. The two were Columbus teammates when Marchenko entered the League in 2022-23, and Roslovic has helped his new linemate beyond the rink by offering guidance on apartment hunting and Toronto’s traffic.
Marchenko, who spends summers in Moscow, was not intimidated by the latter. “I know traffic from Moscow,” he said. “This is nothing new for me.”
Matthews has also made a quick impression. Marchenko said the Toronto captain has spent time reviewing the smaller details of their game together, and the Russian forward sees major potential in a line centered by Matthews.
Coach Jim Hiller liked what he saw from the new combination in Friday’s workout. He said Marchenko appeared energized by the chance to practice with his linemates and described him as a player who simply wants to stay on the ice.
“He really seemed to enjoy today,” Hiller said. “When you can practice with the players on your line, there is less pressure, and I thought they developed some chemistry.”
From Columbus whirlwind to a Toronto home game
Marchenko, his wife Victoria and their cat traveled by private plane from Columbus to Toronto on Monday night. He then dressed in back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday, recording an assist in his Leafs debut during a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
Thursday’s off day offered the family time to recover from the rush and begin looking for a place to live. Marchenko has been used on the left wing, his off side, but said it is a position he played from minor hockey until he was 22.
The trade also changed his contractual future. Marchenko had been eligible to become a restricted free agent following the season, but he instead committed to Toronto on the six-year agreement that starts in 2027-28.
Columbus chose Marchenko with the 49th pick of the 2018 NHL Draft. He leaves the Blue Jackets with 102 goals and 106 assists, totaling 208 points in 292 regular-season games.
For now, the attention, the larger stage and the compressed introduction to a new city have not overwhelmed him. Marchenko said he has embraced the atmosphere around the Maple Leafs.
“I love it here,” he said. “The fans and the teammates have been great. It is a privilege to be here.”
