Forward expected to be ‘crushed' by Leafs Kirill Marchenko trade as players remain in the dark

Matthew Knies is reportedly going to be crushed about leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs, and according to Nick Kypreos, he is not going to be happy about it.

That's the word going around as Toronto and the Columbus Blue Jackets push toward a blockbuster that sends the 23-year-old winger to Ohio for Kirill Marchenko.

Here's the part that stands out.

Kypreos says the players have not been told they've been traded yet, because the Leafs are getting Marchenko on an extension.

That lines up with Emily Kaplan of ESPN, who reported the deal only goes through if Marchenko agrees to an extension in Toronto.

It's easy to understand why. Knies is signed through 2030-31 at $7.75 million per season, and he put up 66 points in 79 games last year.

He has 160 points in 240 career games, all of them with Toronto.

He was also the subject of trade talk all summer, even after Chayka tried to shut it down.

Being wanted elsewhere is one thing.

Actually being moved out of the only NHL home you've known is another.

For a player who has only ever worn a Leafs sweater in the NHL, that has to sting.

Nothing is official yet. Elliotte Friedman reported that goalie Elvis Merzlikins is also part of the deal, and Chris Johnston noted that multiple players are involved to help both teams with the cap.

Marchenko, 26, had 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season, and Toronto is clearly betting on that scoring.

With the Leafs opening the season Tuesday, Knies has very little time to process it all.

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Leafs reportedly acquiring a starting goalie in Kirill Marchenko blockbuster