Blue Jackets trade Marchenko to Maple Leafs as part of major 7-player deal

The Blue Jackets also dealt goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and left wing Miles Wood to the Maple Leafs for left wing Matthew Knies , defenseman Emil Andrae , center Steven Lorentz and a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

Marchenko was in the last year of his contract, but agreed to a six-year $75 million extension with the Maple Leafs. He relayed to Columbus' front office before the draft in June that he didn't intend to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets.

Waddell said the situation with Marchenko and star defenseman Zach Werenski were not the same. The Norris Trophy winner also said during the offseason he wasn't ready to sign an extension, but also vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars .