Maple Leafs Among Teams Showing Trade Interest in Blue Jackets Forward

“More and more calls [are] coming in on Yegor Chinakhov,” LeBrun said. “He’s a 2020 first-round pick of the Jackets and he asked for a trade because he basically was scratched from most of the late-season run that saw the Jackets come so close to making the playoffs. He’s only played in three games this year – all of those played in the last three games on the fourth line.

“There were 26 scouts from other teams at his first game up here last week against Colorado. Among the teams that we believe have checked in with Columbus on him include the Toronto Maple Leafs, who we know are looking for a forward upgrade. Detroit, Florida, Buffalo and certainly the Flames will be checking in.”

LeBrun noted that Chinakhov’s new agent, Rick Komarow, has received permission from the Blue Jackets to speak directly with other teams. Despite the demand, however, Columbus appears reluctant to move quickly.

“The Jackets don’t want to just dump this guy because he’s asked for a trade,” LeBrun said. “They want to make a hockey deal. They’re not looking for draft picks and frankly, they feel they’re one injury away in their top nine from needing him in a more meaningful way, so this is far from a done deal, but more and more calls on him.”

The Leafs’ involvement comes shortly after Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley delivered a strong message, saying the franchise is “in go time” mode.

General manager Brad Treliving has reportedly been given the green light to make bold moves leading up to the March 6 trade deadline if that means improving the team's chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

Toronto was first linked to Chinakhov back in July, shortly after Mitch Marner’s departure opened a gap in the team’s offensive depth. Chinakhov has posted 72 points across 178 NHL games and was a first-round pick in 2020.

The Maple Leafs are 3–3–1. They will face the Buffalo Sabres twice on a back-to-back affair starting Friday.