Friedman Breaks Down Trade Proposal Sending Former First-Round Pick to the Maple Leafs: 'It's Not Enough'

Although the Maple Leafs signed Nick Robertson to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration and might actually have a reliable competitor on their hands this season, there are still questions about if he really belongs in the new-look lineup.

He's a very streaky offensive player and while there is a chance he can break out this season, this is pretty much do or die for the young forward.

Robertson has been involved in some trade rumors over recent weeks, and with his request for a trade multiple times it's a sign that he too would like to see greener pastures. But if the team wants to replace him with a young star, they may need to pony up a bit more.

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the talks surrounding a potential 1 for 1 trade involving Robertson and Columbus' Yegor Chinakhov are not going to happen and Toronto needs to add some more if they want to bring him aboard:

Knowing that Toronto is close to getting a deal done involving Robertson, they could potentially add a young mid-tier prospect or add a pick or two to get things done. Chinakhov is unhappy with his role on the Blue Jackets, but has to potential to be a solid top-nine forward for years to come.

He's incredibly savvy defensively, has the potential to give you 10-15 goals, he's a Brad Treliving type (6'1, 206 pounds) and is only 24 years old. He fits seamlessly with Craig Berube's defensive first system, and if he can learn to use his size more; he could be that top-six power forward Toronto wants.

Drafted 21st overall in 2020, Chinakhov has spent four seasons already in the NHL, scoring 71 points in 175 games (34 goals, 37 assists); his best season came in 2023-24 where he had 29 points in only 53 games (16 goals, 13 assists).

While it might not just be Robertson as part of a package to bring over a disgruntled Chinakhov to Toronto, but it's a good start, and at this point?

They gotta start somewhere.