NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly learn the price to pay for frustrated young forward

In a surprising turn of events, Yegor Chinakhov publicly requested a trade out of the Columbus Blue Jackets. It didn’t take long for Auston Matthews‘ Toronto Maple Leafs to emerge as potential suitors. Hoping to fill the void left by Mitch Marner’s trade, reports suggest the Leafs might have what the Jackets are after in the NHL offseason.

The Blue Jackets are in no rush to part ways with Chinakhov. Despite the forward’s discontent, Columbus will entertain offers—but with no obligation to move him. After all, Chinakhov remains under contract through the 2025–26 NHL season.

Perhaps, trading the Russian forward during next season’s trade deadline is in Columbus’ best interests. However, that wouldn’t be the best for Matthews’ Toronto. The Maple Leafs would like to welcome a new weapon for the top-six as soon as possible and move on into the post Marner-era.

Working out a trade is more important than when the deal gets finalized. The Buds might do everything within their realm of possibility. Still, reports indicate the Jackets have their return for Chinakhov all but figured out. Toronto can comply, or Columbus will most surely look for its trade partner elsewhere.

Yegor Chinakhov #59 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on January 28, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

Potential return for Chinakhov

“[GM Don] Waddell will almost certainly ask for an established NHL player in return,” as stated by The Columbus Dispatch. “The ideal swap would be something that sends Chinakhov to a team looking to move a similar young forward with upside who hasn’t lived up to expectations.

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“Other returns could be built around a draft pick or package of picks, but Waddell’s preference is an NHL talent in/NHL talent out deal. Trading him would create another hole up front for the Blue Jackets.”

Just what they were looking for

Based on Columbus’ preferences for replacing Chinakhov, RFA Nicholas Robertson could be the perfect trade asset for Matthews’ Leafs to part with. However, for that to happen, the Maple Leafs must first come to terms with the unsigned forward, who has filed for salary arbitration.

“It would be a good bet for the Leafs on a player with upside [Chinakhov], and it gives Robertson a change of scenery,” Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin said. “I think he badly needs it, he needs a team that has more confidence in him, that won’t keep yanking him in-and-out of the lineup.”

Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Another youngster on the move?

Along with the buzz surrounding Chinakhov, the Blue Jackets might be gearing up for another big move ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Columbus is shopping Dmitry Voronkov around, as it hopes to add firepower up front.

“Columbus wants to add an impact player and could continue to dangle Voronkov in a deal for a big piece,” The Fourth Period reported.