COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kirill Marchenko’s return to Nationwide Arena was never going to be an ordinary night. Less than a month after requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the former fan favorite returned wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, facing a hostile reception from the crowd and some lingering frustration from his former teammates.
Marchenko ultimately had the last laugh Tuesday night, scoring against his former team as Toronto defeated Columbus 6-2 in the first meeting between the clubs since their blockbuster September trade.
The 26-year-old winger spent four seasons in Columbus before being traded to Toronto on September 28 in a deal that brought Matthew Knies to the Blue Jackets. Marchenko subsequently signed a six-year, $75 million contract with the Maple Leafs, beginning a new chapter after accumulating 208 points during his time in Columbus. (NHL.com)
Fantilli Makes His Feelings Known Before the Game
Much of the attention surrounding Marchenko’s return centered on comments made earlier Tuesday by former linemate Adam Fantilli.
Speaking with reporters following Columbus’ morning skate, Fantilli acknowledged that Marchenko’s decision to leave was difficult to accept, particularly considering the chemistry the two had developed playing together.
“Marchy not wanting to be here, it’s tough not to take it personally,” Fantilli said, explaining that he expected to spend another season alongside the Russian winger.
Fantilli went further, making it clear that he believed Columbus was better off moving forward with players committed to the organization.
“Happy we got guys who want to be here,” Fantilli said. “It would have been a nightmare having a guy that didn’t want to be here all year.”
The comments added another layer of tension to an already emotional reunion. Fantilli also acknowledged that Marchenko had treated him well during their time together, but admitted he had not spoken with his former teammate since the trade. (Sportsnet)
Fantilli Delivers a Physical Message
The tension carried onto the ice during the first period when Fantilli delivered a heavy body check on Marchenko, sending his former teammate to the ice and drawing an enthusiastic reaction from the Nationwide Arena crowd.
The hit came with just over 10 minutes remaining in the opening period, shortly after Marchenko had tied the game with a power-play goal. The collision quickly became one of the evening’s most discussed moments, particularly in light of Fantilli’s comments earlier in the day. (NHL Play-by-Play)
Marchenko, meanwhile, faced boos throughout the night but appeared unfazed by the reception. His first-period goal came when an Auston Matthews attempt deflected off his skate and into the net, tying the game at one.
Columbus initially took the lead on a Jake Christiansen goal just 2:38 into the contest, but Toronto seized control with four unanswered goals in the second period.
William Nylander, Matthews, Easton Cowan and former Blue Jacket Jack Roslovic all scored during the decisive stretch, chasing Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves from the game.
Charlie Coyle added a third-period goal for Columbus before Marshall Rifai completed Toronto’s 6-2 victory. The loss dropped the Blue Jackets to 3-5-0, while Toronto improved to 5-4-2. (NHL.com)
For Marchenko, the night ended with a goal and a victory against the organization where his NHL career began. For Fantilli and the Blue Jackets, it was another frustrating defeat during an already difficult opening stretch.
What was once a promising partnership between two young Columbus forwards has now become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the rivalry between the Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs.
And judging by Tuesday night’s comments, physical play and final result, the emotions surrounding Marchenko’s departure are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
