Marchenko practises with Maple Leafs, welcomes return to left wing

Kirill Marchenko had his first practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, Oct. 2, after playing two games with his new club. He skated alongside Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic at the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke, Ont., according to Sportsnet's report from the practice.

Marchenko has been playing left wing on that line after spending most of his Columbus stint on the right. He told Sportsnet that he grew up playing on the left in Russia and regarded it as his natural side. Coach Jim Hiller said he favours players on their off-hand wings when they are comfortable there, citing puck protection along the boards and the ability to cut inside on the forehand.

Marchenko said practising together would help him develop chemistry with his linemates after two games without a practice.

Kirill Marchenko made his Toronto Maple Leafs debut on Tuesday, less than two days after the trade that brought him from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Without a practice with his new club, he started on a line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic against the Montreal Canadiens.

Marchenko was credited with the secondary assist on William Nylander's goal 48 seconds into the game. He finished with four shots and 20:08 of ice time. Toronto lost 3-2.

Toronto added Marchenko alongside Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins. Columbus got Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz and Emil Andrae, plus a 2027 second-rounder determined as the later of Winnipeg’s and Columbus’s picks. Toronto said Columbus retained 18 per cent of Merzlikins' salary. Marchenko's agent announced a six-year, $75 million extension that starts next season, according to NHL.com.