Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets was personal for Kirill Marchenko — and he made sure of it. The Toronto winger scored against his former team as the Maple Leafs defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2 on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena.
Marchenko, acquired on September 28 as part of a six-player deal that sent Matthew Knies to Columbus, recently signed a six-year, $75 million contract with Toronto. The game was the first meeting between the teams since the trade.
Marchenko’s sweet return
“It was especially nice for sure, but I tried to think about my game,” Marchenko said. “It’s obviously a special game, fun and everything, but happy to play here, happy to be back. And thank you again for all fans, for everybody who’s been here when I was here for four years.”
Easton Cowan and Jack Roslovic each had a goal and two assists, while Auston Matthews and William Nylander each had a goal and an assist. Morgan Rielly added three assists and Anthony Stolarz made 35 saves for Toronto, which has won two straight after a three-game skid.
Blue Jackets routed
Jake Christiansen scored for Columbus, which has lost four of five. Jet Greaves allowed five goals on 19 shots before being replaced by Cam Talbot.
Marchenko’s revenge narrative wrote itself. Traded to Toronto in the six-player deal that sent Knies to Columbus, the winger couldn’t have scripted a better return — a goal against his old club in a comprehensive victory. The emotion was visible in his celebration, and his new teammates mobbed him.
For Columbus, the defeat was compounded by the sight of their former star thriving elsewhere. The Knies trade will be debated for years, and nights like this won’t quiet the discussion. Toronto, meanwhile, look increasingly formidable, and Marchenko’s seamless integration has given their top six a new dimension.
The trade’s full impact is still unfolding, but the early returns favor Toronto. Marchenko looks rejuvenated in blue and white, while the Maple Leafs’ forward depth is the envy of the division. Columbus, meanwhile, must hope Knies develops into the star they believe he can be.
Toronto’s new-look attack is clicking — and Marchenko’s revenge game was the perfect statement.
