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The Maple Leafs reportedly almost got Egor Chinakhov from Columbus
TL;DR
The Toronto Maple Leafs nearly traded Nick Robertson to acquire Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but their offers were insufficient. Chinakhov was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he performed well.
Key points
- Maple Leafs nearly traded for Egor Chinakhov
- Offered Nick Robertson and a second-round pick
- Chinakhov was traded to Penguins instead
- Produced 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games
- Maple Leafs faced organizational problems
Toronto Maple LeafsColumbus Blue JacketsPittsburgh PenguinsEgor Chinakhov
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 11: Egor Chinakhov #59 of the Pittsburgh Penguins shoots against the Washington Capitals at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 11, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Athletic had a tremendous piece about the dreadful season that Toronto endured off the ice this year and the organizational problems from top to bottom that have turned the top team that Kyle Dubas built into one of chaos and dysfunction. The whole thing is wildly entertaining as an outside observers to watch the bungles go down and worth the read.
The interesting/relevant part for the Penguins is the reporting about Toronto attempting to acquire Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubas and the Pens would swoop in and complete the transaction, the Maple Leafs were among those interested.
At one point, the Leafs discussed a Nick Robertson for Egor Chinakhov swap with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but their offers fell short. They dangled a second-round pick around the league, looking for short-term help. They also contemplated re-acquiring Luke Schenn. However, save for a waiver claim on Troy Stecher in November, the Leafs GM made no moves to rescue his flailing squad.
According to league sources, the Leafs were consistently in on the final stages of trade talks like those for Chinakhov, but were never able to close deals that might have helped stem the bleeding. The skilled forward was eventually dealt to Pittsburgh in late December for second- and third-round picks and produced 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games as a Penguin on their top line.
Robertson ended up having a pretty decent season individually, setting career highs in goals (16), assists (16) and points (32) over 78 games. At 24-years old, heâs in the same age range as Chinakhov, 25.
In that regard, itâs interesting how Robertson was valued, or perhaps better put wasnât valued by Columbus. Robertson is a smaller player at 5â9â, 180 pounds and while skilled, isnât quite a game-breaking type of talent that Chinakhov has showcased so often in Pittsburgh. Sometimes that lack of height can be a turn off for teams. It might sound a bit off that the Blue Jackets would take a second and third round pick from the Penguins instead of what is already a pretty decent NHL player but it seems that they didnât want to exchange one player that was unestablished/floundering in Chinakhov for a fairly similar one in Robertson.
Q&A
Why did the Maple Leafs want to trade for Egor Chinakhov?
The Maple Leafs were looking for short-term help to address their organizational issues and improve their struggling team.
What did the Maple Leafs offer for Egor Chinakhov?
The Maple Leafs discussed a trade involving Nick Robertson and also considered offering a second-round pick, but their proposals fell short.
What were Egor Chinakhov's stats after joining the Pittsburgh Penguins?
After being traded to the Penguins, Egor Chinakhov scored 18 goals and recorded 36 points in 43 games.
What other moves did the Maple Leafs consider during the trade talks?
In addition to Chinakhov, the Maple Leafs contemplated re-acquiring Luke Schenn and made a waiver claim on Troy Stecher.
