Kirill Marchenko's Columbus decision gives the Maple Leafs the right-wing target they need

Right now, Kirill Marchenko's got to decide whether or not he's extending in Columbus, and the Maple Leafs could put in a huge offer to nab their new star winger.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been at the centre of a lot of offseason rumours this summer. Zach Werenski's name has been floated about in trade rumours, with many also wondering how the team is going to cope with the loss of their captain and anchor, Boone Jenner.

They made a couple solid acquisitions with Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan Lomberg, but no one that really moves the needle and it may be hard to keep Werenski in town if they aren't going to be competitive right away.

Marchenko solves Toronto's right-wing dilemma

They may also be on the cusp of losing Kirill Marchenko too, as the highly talented scorer is waiting for a extension but hasn't committed to the team, and his name has also started to surface regarding his availability despite his price likely being out of this world.

Marchenko, 25, is just settling into his prime years but he's already shown immense growth. After a 21-goal debut season, he's had seasons of 23, 31, and 27 goals respectively while also adding above average defence and possession numbers, and keeping away from the penalty box.

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The 49th overall pick in 2018, Marchenko is currently only making $3.85 but is likely going to double that at the very least, not to mention for a long-term commitment. It wouldn't be surprising to see him look for $10-million AAV especially in the wake of Leo Carlsson's deal.

He'd be a perfect target for the Maple Leafs if he is available, as he could give them the right-winger they desperately need in the top-six, while adding yet another big body who can score. Marchenko and Matthew Knies as the power forward scorers on a team full of playmakers sounds like a recipe for success.

Columbus' asking price forces Toronto to move one of their prime young assets

Speaking of Knies, it's very unlikely that the team gets a Marchenko deal done without him. If they aren't budging on Werenski though, that's going to be a hard sell. What the team may do is centre a package around Easton Cowan and Ben Danford. That didn't entice Columbus on Werenski but it may for Marchenko.

Cowan gives them a young winger who can replace Marchenko and has a bright future ahead of him and is NHL-ready, meanwhile Danford is a potential top-four shutdown defender who can give Columbus insurance in case Werenski walks.

Plus, they have insane levels of control and there's no way they need to worry about such a huge deal until years down the line. That flexibility and time gives them a chance to figure out their direction and set things up for the future.

You'll likely need to add a bit of draft capital into the equation as well, but it's well worth it especially if Marchenko will help you win now and later:

To Toronto:

(RW) Kirill Marchenko

To Columbus:

(F) Easton Cowan
(D) Ben Danford
2028 2nd-Round Pick (TOR)

That gives Columbus two prospects and a solid pick while avoiding a huge payday for Marchenko, meanwhile Toronto can extend him for next season and have the money necessary to pay him and others.

It's not a perfect deal by any means, and Toronto is going to really need to twist GM Don Waddell's arm to get it done, but if Columbus does decide that Marchenko is expendable - at least John Chayka has a solid foundation to start with.

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