On the eve of the new season, Toronto and Columbus swung a blockbuster trade yesterday involving six players.
The Maple Leafs received talented 26-year-old right wing Kirill Marchenko, along with forward Miles Wood and goalie Elvis Merzlikins. The CBJ received power forward Matthew Knies, forward Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft.
The 6’3” 201-pound Marchenko, who expressed a desire to leave Columbus, scored 27 goals and 67 points last season, on the heels of 31-goal, 74-point campaign in 2024-25. The Leafs promptly signed him to a six-year, $75 million extension.
The 23-year-old Knies, a 6’3” 232-pound tank of a left wing, is nearly as accomplished offensively, tallying 52 goals and 124 points over the past two seasons. He happens to be a second-round pick (57th overall) of none other than Penguins POHO/GM Kyle Dubas.
Totally different types of players, but each with pedigree.
It’ll be interesting to see how the deal pans out…for both sides.
Different Strokes
Speaking of different types of players, guess who made the Panthers opening-night roster?
If you answered former Penguins heavyweight Boko Imama, you’re correct.
Under coach Paul Maurice, the recent two-time Stanley Cup champions prefer a little more mustard on the ice than our Pens. Indeed, sluggers Jonah Gadjovich and A.J. Greer book-ended an uber-intimidating fourth line during Florida’s Cup seasons.
Greer signed with Anaheim this summer, while Gadjovich remains on LTIR while recovering from neck surgery and related neurological issues.
In an odd twist of fate, while Imama replaces Gadjovich, Garnet Hathaway will fill Greer’s old slot. If you recall, Boko blindsided Hathaway during a game against the Flyers back on February 27, 2025, in retaliation for the latter’s cheap hit on Noel Acciari. Who happens to be replacing Hathaway in Philly.
As the old saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction. Especially when it comes to hockey.
I’m always amazed that successful teams like the Panthers can find a spot or two for players who display a touch of nasty while our Pens can’t. (Or don’t see a need.)
Different strokes, indeed.
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I am not as big of a fan of Imama as you are, but the Cats do like a big and physical team. They like to play playoff hockey all year round, so that they do not have to adjust anything when the post season hits. Maybe that is why they were so successful.
They did knock off Carolina in their Penant raising ceremony game last night and Florida is healthy again, something they weren't last year.