Elliotte Friedman reveals the little-known NHL rule that nearly derailed the Leafs' Marchenko trade
Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
The Leafs-Blue Jackets Marchenko trade was delayed by NHL tagging rules, and Emil Andrae's $1.55 million in 2027-28 helped clear the way, per Elliotte Friedman.
The Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets finally pushed their Kirill Marchenko blockbuster over the line Monday, but it sounds like the whole thing nearly fell apart along the way.
A little-known NHL cap rule caused the holdup, according to Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman explained in Tuesday's 32 Thoughts column that the trade was slowed by NHL tagging rules.
The league won't let a team lock in more future payroll than the cap permits, so Toronto had to clear space beyond this season before it could extend Marchenko.
Friedman suspects that is why Emil Andrae, who is owed $1.55 million in 2027-28, was included.
"The delay in completing the Marchenko trade was due to NHL "tagging rules." Essentially, you can't have more salary committed for future seasons than the cap allows, so Toronto was not allowed to extend the winger without clearing space beyond this year. I suspect that's why Emil Andrae was included, as he has $1.55 million owed in 2027-28."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Why the math got so tight
Marchenko agreed to a six-year, $75 million extension worth $12.5 million per season.
That number starts next year, and he counts $3.85 million against the cap now.
Teams also had until 5 p.m. ET Monday to submit cap-compliant rosters, which left almost no room for error.
In the end, Toronto landed Marchenko, Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins, with Columbus keeping 18 percent of Merzlikins' salary.
The Blue Jackets got Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Andrae and a conditional 2027 second-round pick.
What it means for Toronto
Andrae looked steady in the preseason, but Toronto already had undersized puck movers on the depth chart, including Nick Blankenburg, so losing him stings less than it might have.
Marchenko brings a big shot after a 27-goal, 67-point season in Columbus, while Knies had 23 goals and 66 points for Toronto.
The Leafs open the season Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens, and general manager John Chayka is hopeful Marchenko can suit up, pending immigration.
Toronto finished last in the Atlantic in 2025-26, so this move carries plenty of weight.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Elliotte Friedman reveals the real reason Toronto traded Matthew Knies
Elliotte Friedman reveals the real reason Toronto traded Matthew Knies