Darche Took His Shot At Marchenko, Now Islanders Need A Different Kind Of Blockbuster

The Islanders missed on Kirill Marchenko, but Mathieu Darche’s next big swing could come on defense as questions surround New York’s blue line.

PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders

TORONTO — It’s no secret that New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche tried to acquire forward Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The problem was always what Columbus wanted in return.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell made it clear he wasn’t interested in a futures-heavy package. Columbus wanted players who could help now as it tries to remain competitive in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference.

Waddell got that from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, acquiring Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a conditional 2027 second-round pick in exchange for Marchenko, injured goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and Miles Wood.

Once Knies entered the conversation, the Islanders — along with just about every other team pursuing Marchenko — would have a difficult time matching Toronto’s offer.

I initially thought an Islanders package would start with 21-year-old Cal Ritchie, who many around the organization believe could be in line for a breakout season.

I got pushback on that.