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# Marchenko - Knies trade details
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/marchenko-knies-trade-details/
- Published: 2026-09-28T21:07:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-28T22:04:26.000Z
- Description: A done deal now officially broken by Dan Milstein.
- Author: Cathy Squires
- Tags: Maple Leafs Trades

> Kirill Marchenko has agreed to terms on a six year, $75 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, carrying an average annual value of $12.5 million. [#WeAreGoldStar](https://x.com/hashtag/WeAreGoldStar?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)! [pic.twitter.com/n2ry3v7SUq](https://t.co/n2ry3v7SUq?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) [September 28, 2026](https://x.com/HockeyAgent1/status/2104678055121957203?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

> Columbus: Knies, Lorentz, Andrae and a 2nd  
>  
> Tor: Marchenko, Miles Wood, Merzlikins (some retained salary)
> 
> — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) [September 28, 2026](https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2104679097859448993?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Some helpful analysis here:

> TOR/CBJ trade talk:  
>  
> Why would Merzlikins be part of the deal?  
>  
> Toronto is already going to operate in LTIR due to Domi. Adding Merzlikins provides 0 cap benefit, but does not provide any negative cap impact. Taking him is cap neutral for TOR.   
> However, if they trade him once…
> 
> — PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) [September 28, 2026](https://x.com/PuckPedia/status/2104675642524749827?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

> TOR/CBJ trade talk:  
>  
> Why would Merzlikins be part of the deal?  
>  
> Toronto is already going to operate in LTIR due to Domi. Adding Merzlikins provides 0 cap benefit, but does not provide any negative cap impact. Taking him is cap neutral for TOR.   
> However, if they trade him once the season starts, they need cap space to add him before adding him to LTIR. By trading for him before 5pm Eastern, can just include him on LTIR in roster submission.  
>  
> For CBJ, Merzlikins on LTIR provided no cap impact either, but by trading him, they can potentially be under the cap and accruing space. It also saves them cash.

The other issue here is that Elvis Merzlikins has an AAV of $5.4 million (expiring next summer) which is over the limit for in-season LTIR. If Columbus already did the steps necessary to have him approved for full-season LTIR, then that should transfer. Merzlikins had shoulder surgery in August, but has never formally been declared out for the full season. This is speculative at this time.

More to come when we know the retention amount. Of note Miles Wood is above the buriable amount, but has cleared waivers. 

Other details: 

- Pierre LeBrun reports that the second rounder is the pick from Seattle in the Bobby McMann deal. This pick is conditional, but could be Columbus's own pick depending on the standings.
- Miles Wood has a contract for $2.5 million that runs for three years. He has struggled in the last three years, and has horrible defending offset by some okay offence – not the profile of a useful depth player. $1.275 million of his cap hit counts if he is buried in the AHL.
- The retention on Merzlikins salary is 18%, making his cap hit $4,428,000\. The benefit limit for in-season LTIR is $3,973,228.

And the roster tally: 

> [https://t.co/KGQEeP5suX](https://t.co/KGQEeP5suX?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) [September 28, 2026](https://x.com/PuckPedia/status/2104692046804160945?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Note that what this means is that they actually end up with the space to add a player or players.