The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be done adding talent up front.
The Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets are deep in discussions on a trade that would send Kirill Marchenko to Toronto, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Monday.
Marchenko will become a restricted free agent after his three-year, $11.5-million contract expires following this season.
Per Friedman, the Blue Jackets gave the Maple Leafs permission to speak with Marchenko about a contract extension, and Toronto would acquire Elvis Merzlikins as part of the package if the deal goes through.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that forward Matthew Knies would be sent to Columbus as part of the trade.
The 26-year-old had 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games last season.
Marchenko has indicated that he does not intend to re-sign with the Blue Jackets when his contract expires. The Russian has been a participant in training camp and has played in pre-season games as Columbus worked to find a trade partner.
The deadline to submit opening-night, cap-compliant rosters is at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
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