It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs want to improve their team. Auston Matthews can’t score all of their goals. Anthony Stolarz can’t stop all of the goals, and Chris Tanev can’t block all of the shots. Teams that compete for the Stanley Cup are constantly improving their team, either by playing better or adding pieces.
Too bad for the Maple Leafs that the other 31 teams in the league are doing the same thing. A new report reveals that the team faces stiff competition to acquire Yegor Chinakhov, a player who could help them in more ways than one.
Yegor Chinakhov Linked to Maple Leafs & Others
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ forward officially requested a trade this past summer. Since then, a few teams have been linked to Chinakhov.
One report from the summer revealed that his preferred destinations are the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers. While something might still happen with the Blackhawks, the Oilers may now be out of the conversation with the acquisition of Jack Roslovic.
A new report lists the Maple Leafs as a team interested in Chinakhov. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic wrote about the situation with the 6-foot-1, 203 lb forward.
“Several teams have recently kicked the tires on Yegor Chinakhov, 24, who still wants out of Columbus,” LeBrun wrote on October 24th. “Including the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, and Detroit Red Wings. I could see the Flames also inquiring if they haven’t already.”
“It would make sense that the Leafs, seeking a forward boost, would have inquired, too.”
LeBrun also revealed the cost of doing business for a team seeking to add Chinakhov.
“They’ve told inquiring teams they’re not just looking for draft picks,” LeBrun continued. “As they are hoping to be in the playoff chase again this season. It would be more of a hockey trade if they find a fit.”
Maple Leafs Have Been Interested in Chinakhov For a While
GettyNick Robertson
This isn’t the first time that the Maple Leafs have expressed interest in the forward. In fact, according to Elliotte Friedman, the team has already made a pitch for the 24-year-old.
“Toronto is investigating options for Nick Robertson,” Friedman wrote in his latest 32 Thoughts blog. “At some point in the summer, they pitched a move for Yegor Chinakhov, but that wasn’t to the Blue Jackets’ liking. That file remains open in Columbus, however.”
Over the summer, one report suggested the Maple Leafs were dangling Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and Calle Jarnkrok as trade bait. It’s within the realm of possibility that one of these three players was pitched to the Blue Jackets in a trade, which they rejected.
With the Maple Leafs looking to get a boost of offense, is a trade for Chinakhov now in the cards?
Why Yegor Chinakhov Must Be Traded to the Maple Leafs
GettyThe Maple Leafs should make a strong push for this promising forward.
Chinakhov should be at the top of the Maple Leafs’ acquisition target list. The youngster brings both speed and five-on-five scoring.
According to NHL Edge data, Chinakhov has a set of wheels on him. Last year, he had a top speed of 23.06 MPH. He had 14 22+ MPH speed bursts, 93 20-22 MPH speed bursts, and 281 18-20 MPH speed bursts.
The promising forward knows how to score at even-strength. Since 2023-24 has scored 20 even-strength goals in 86 games.
Amongst Blue Jackets forwards who have played at least 10 games since the 2023-24 season, Chinakhov ranks third in goals per 60 (G/60) at even-strength (1.13). Looking at the same time span for the Maple Leafs, only Matthews has a better G/60 than Chinakhov.
The Maple Leafs already missed out on Roslovic, and shouldn’t pass up another opportunity to add to their team.
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