Kirill Marchenko's status gets official update just hours before Leafs-Canadiens season opener
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Kirill Marchenko is set to make his Maple Leafs debut tonight against the Canadiens, per Elliotte Friedman, one day after a blockbuster trade.
The Maple Leafs only landed Kirill Marchenko about 24 hours ago, and he's already headed for the ice.
Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the winger will be in the lineup for his Toronto debut tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
That's a whirlwind start to the 2026-27 season.
Toronto pulled off a six-player deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, just minutes before opening night rosters were due.
Matthew Knies went to Columbus along with Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a conditional 2027 second-round pick.
Toronto also received Miles Wood and goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
Marchenko signed a six-year, $75 million extension as part of the move, with a $12.5 million cap hit that kicks in next season.
He was headed toward restricted free agency after this year, and the Blue Jackets clearly weren't going to get him signed.
What Marchenko brings to Toronto
The 26-year-old put up 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season and has led Columbus in goals three years running.
He's a top-line winger who drives play, and the Leafs made it clear how much they wanted him.
General manager John Chayka had said a debut tonight depended on Marchenko's immigration paperwork being finished.
Friedman's update suggests that hurdle is out of the way.
A big stage for a first game
It doesn't get much bigger than Leafs and Canadiens on opening night at Scotiabank Arena, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.
Habs fans will be watching closely too, since Montreal was reportedly one of the teams interested in Marchenko.
Toronto fans now get to see what the big swing looks like in real time.
Knies is gone, the money is locked in, and Marchenko gets to introduce himself in the biggest rivalry the franchise has.
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