The Toronto Maple Leafs could solve a problem for themselves and the Columbus Blue Jackets by trading one disgruntled forward for another. Specifically, the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets could team up to give Nick Robertson and Yegor Chinakhov a fresh start.
Nick Robertson’s desire to leave Toronto is no mystery. He requested a trade last summer, but had to settle for a one-year deal. He posted a decent 15-goal season despite limited playing time in 2024-25.
The Maple Leafs and Robertson headed to another potential stalemate this summer. However, the two sides were able to avoid a potentially devastating arbitration hearing by agreeing to a one-year, $1.825 million contract.
Then, there’s Chinakhov and the Blue Jackets. In mid-July, Chinakhov’s agent made it public that the 24-year-old Russian forward was unhappy with the situation he faced in Columbus. So, he had requested a trade, hoping to get a fresh start elsewhere.
By the looks of it, both Robertson and Chinakhov are in the same situation. Both players are under contract with teams they don’t really want to play for. That’s why a 1-for-1 swap involving Chinakhov and Robertson could solve a somewhat cumbersome issue for the players and teams.
Why Maple Leafs-Blue Jackets Deal Makes Sense
On paper, Chinakhov and Robertson are practically the same. Robertson was a second-round pick of the Maple Leafs. Chinakhov was a late first-rounder for the Blue Jackets.
Robertson is 23 while Chinakhov is 24. Robertson scored 15 goals for the Maple Leafs last season, while Chinakhov had seven in 30 games for the Blue Jackets.
The major difference between Robertson and Chinakhov lies in size. Chinakhov is bigger at 6’1”, 205 pounds, compared to Robertson, standing at 5’9” and 179 pounds. Considering that neither player is a heavy hitter, the size difference may not be quite as consequential.
As for their cap hits, Robertson’s amounts to $1.825 million. Chinakhov will be entering the final year of his two-year deal, carrying a $2.1 million cap hit.
That situation makes their cap hits practically a wash. That’s why a 1-for-1 swap involving Chinakhov and Robertson would be an easy solution for both clubs.
Chinakhov Not Guaranteed a Spot in Leafs’ Lineup
While joining the Maple Leafs would give Chinakhov a shot at a fresh start, he’s far from guaranteed a roster spot in Toronto. The Leafs have a logjam in their bottom six, potentially making it tough for Chinakhov to get in the lineup.
Nevertheless, Chinakhov could be a solid upgrade over other bottom-six players in the Leafs’ projected lineup. Players like Calle Jarnkrok and Steven Lorentz, while decent grinders, lack the offensive upside that Chinakhov possesses.
If Chinakhov pans out, he could earn a shot at the Maple Leafs’ middle six. Other forwards like Matias Maccelli and Max Domi have a tenuous grasp on a spot in the top six. So, if Chinakhov plays well, he could make Domi or Maccelli expendable.
Overall, adding Yegor Chinakhov would be a worthwhile move for the Maple Leafs. The club rids itself of the problem that Nick Robertson has become, while landing a player with a solid offensive upside.
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