Leafs GM Chayka explains Marchenko trade

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka defended the club’s decision to acquire winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of the team’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. Chayka said the move involved giving up quality players, including Matthew Knies, but argued that Marchenko is the type of player who can strongly influence wins. The deal also brought goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and winger Miles Wood to Toronto, while Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a secondround pick went to Columbus. Marchenko, 23, is coming off a 67point season with the Blue Jackets and is expected to play a major role for the Leafs, though it was not yet clear whether immigration paperwork would be completed in time for his debut. Coaches and teammates said he should add scoring ability and energy to the lineup.