The Columbus Blue Jackets have completed a major trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs just days before opening the 2026-27 regular season.

Columbus acquired forward Matthew Knies, defenseman Emil Andrae, forward Steven Lorentz and a conditional second-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft.

In exchange, the Blue Jackets sent forward Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and forward Miles Wood to Toronto. NHL

The biggest names in the deal are Marchenko and Knies.

Marchenko, 26, spent the first four seasons of his NHL career with Columbus after being selected by the Blue Jackets in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

He recorded 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games during the 2025-26 season, leading Columbus in goals while ranking second on the team in assists and total points.

Marchenko finishes his Blue Jackets career with 102 goals and 208 points in 292 games. NHL

Columbus receives 23-year-old Matthew Knies, who has recorded consecutive 20-goal and 50-point seasons during his first three NHL campaigns.

Knies posted career highs with 43 assists and 66 points in 79 games last season while adding 23 goals and 152 hits.

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound winger has totaled 67 goals and 160 points in 240 career games with Toronto. NHL

The Blue Jackets also receive defenseman Emil Andrae, who recorded two goals and 13 points in 61 games last season, and veteran center Steven Lorentz.

Lorentz has appeared in 381 NHL games and was a member of the Florida Panthers’ 2024 Stanley Cup championship team. NHL

Merzlikins leaves Columbus after seven seasons with the organization. He appeared in 274 games and ranks second in franchise history in both games played and wins by a goaltender.

Wood spent one season with Columbus, recording eight goals and 14 points in 54 games during the 2025-26 season. NHL

Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell described Knies as a physical power forward who also brings offensive ability, character and work ethic.

The trade comes immediately before the start of the new season.

Columbus opens the 2026-27 campaign Thursday, October 1, against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.