Getty TORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 29: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Montréal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on September 29, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
Kirill Marchenko ultimately landed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in a six-player deal that sent Matthew Knies to Columbus, but the Montreal Canadiens were actually the most persistent suitor throughout the summer. While they chased the deal for months, ultimately, their attempt to get creative failed.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Montreal pursued Marchenko from the moment it became clear the Blue Jackets
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