Kirill Marchenko is now Jim Hiller's responsibility, and the Maple Leafs' major addition arrives in Toronto with an uncomfortable camp story attached.
Toronto acquired Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a blockbuster that sent Matthew Knies the other way. Marchenko is also set to sign a six-year extension carrying a $12.5 million AAV.
The production explains the investment. The 26-year-old winger recorded 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season, giving Toronto another high-end offensive option for its top six.
But there's already another part of the story. Andrew Raycroft said on NHL Radio that Marchenko was one of the Columbus players who reported to training camp out of shape.
"Andrew Raycroft just said on NHL Radio that Kirill Marchenko is one that showed up to camp out of shape."
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That connects directly to comments Rick Bowness made when Columbus opened camp. Bowness publicly revealed that two players had failed to meet his conditioning expectations after receiving clear instructions during their end-of-season meetings.
Bowness didn't identify those players publicly at the time. He did make his frustration clear, saying the situation wasn't where he wanted it and that the Blue Jackets would address it.
Marchenko now faces a different spotlight
That makes Marchenko's arrival in Toronto more interesting than a standard blockbuster acquisition. The Maple Leafs aren't simply adding a scorer. They're bringing in a player whose preparation has suddenly become part of the conversation.
And there won't be much room to hide. Toronto opens its regular season Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens, giving Hiller very little runway to evaluate how quickly Marchenko can handle his expected workload.
Marchenko has already shown what he can do offensively. Over four NHL seasons, he has produced 102 goals and 208 points across 292 games.
The immediate question is what version of Marchenko Toronto gets after a turbulent end to his Columbus tenure. His conditioning, pace and ability to handle top-six minutes will be watched closely from his first shift.
For the Maple Leafs, that scrutiny comes with the price they just paid. Knies had become a major part of their top six, so Marchenko won't get the luxury of quietly settling into his new locker room.
Toronto made a massive bet on Marchenko. Now Hiller gets the first look at whether the conditioning concern follows him north or disappears once the puck drops.
Will Kirill Marchenko silence the conditioning concerns in Toronto?
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Matthew Knies has been dealt in a massive six-player trade and Pierre LeBrun drops the details
