Maple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko from Blue Jackets for Matthew Knies
Fantasy hockey: Marchenko brings three games this week and a PP1 job to fight for, while Knies loses a start and his power play role is uncertain.
By Fantasy Roundup Staff · September 29, 2026
Toronto sends Matthew Knies to Columbus in a six-player trade that brings Kirill Marchenko to the Leafs, who immediately signed the winger to a six-year extension. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, currently on injured reserve after surgery, is also part of the deal.
Marchenko picks up an extra game this week and carries better underlying production, but both wingers face uncertainty on their new power play units. Merzlikins cannot play until he is activated from injured reserve.
Fantasy impact
Player by player
Kirill Marchenko
Marchenko is listed day-to-day, so check he is in the lineup before you start him. Toronto plays three games this week against Columbus's two, giving his managers one more start right away. Over 219 games he has averaged 0.81 points and 2.7 shots per game in 18.8 minutes a night.
He ran PP1 for Columbus at 2.8 power play minutes per game, but Toronto's first unit is currently Auston Matthews, Jack Roslovic, John Tavares, William Nylander and Darren Raddysh. That job is not guaranteed. His 0.26 power play points per game and strong process score (86 at his position) suggest he can contribute if he earns a spot.
Matthew Knies
Knies loses a start immediately, as Columbus plays two games this week against Toronto's three. Over 227 games he has averaged 0.73 points and 1.8 shots per game in 18.7 minutes a night. His model process score is 10 (0 to 100 at his position), the lowest of the three players in this deal.
He ran PP1 for Toronto at 2.6 power play minutes per game, but Columbus's first unit is currently Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Charlie Coyle and Zach Werenski. That job is not guaranteed. His 0.18 power play points per game suggest he will need a clear role to maintain his output in Columbus.
Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins is on injured reserve after surgery and cannot play. The move does nothing for a fantasy lineup until he is activated. His injury notes show surgery with no return date in our injury feed, so managers should not expect him back immediately.
Over 118 games he has posted a 3.33 goals against average and .893 save percentage with an 84 percent start share. His model process score is 38 (0 to 100 at his position). When healthy, his role as a starter could have value in Toronto, but the timeline remains unclear.
What to do
• Hold Marchenko and start him in his three games this week if he is healthy and in the lineup.
• Monitor whether Marchenko earns a power play role in Toronto over the next week.
• Downgrade Knies expectations until his power play role in Columbus becomes clear.
• Do not roster Merzlikins until he is activated from injured reserve.
Schedule this week
Quick answers
How does the trade to Toronto affect Kirill Marchenko's fantasy value?
It is roughly neutral. TOR plays 3 this week against CBJ's 2: 1 more start for his managers right away.
Should I start Kirill Marchenko this week?
Yes, once he is confirmed in the lineup (he is listed day-to-day). Toronto plays 3 games this week, and he has averaged 0.81 points per game.
How does the trade to Columbus affect Matthew Knies's fantasy value?
It hurts. CBJ plays 2 this week against TOR's 3: 1 fewer start for his managers right away.
Should I start Matthew Knies this week?
Only if you lack a better option. Columbus plays 2 games this week and he has averaged 0.73 points per game.
Should I start Elvis Merzlikins this week?
No. Elvis Merzlikins is on injured reserve (surgery) with no return date, so he cannot score fantasy points until he is back in the lineup. Move him to an IR slot if your league has one, or bench him and fill the spot from the wire.
Does the trade to Toronto help Elvis Merzlikins's fantasy value?
Not yet. The move changes nothing for fantasy managers while he is out; revisit when he is activated.
Players in this story
- Kirill Marchenko (RW, TOR) · fantasy outlook: hold
- Matthew Knies (LW, CBJ) · fantasy outlook: value down
- Elvis Merzlikins (G, TOR) · fantasy outlook: value down
Read the full article on Fantasy Roundup · Fantasy hockey dashboard · All articles