With the trade deadline looming the Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs are likely talking as Columbus President and Interim General Manager John Davidson is attending Toronto Marlies games, likely to value the players in the AHL. The Blue Jackets have a plethora of young assets at forward and on defence, so the Blue Jackets would be hoping for an impactful player.
Reports have the Blue Jackets looking at three main members of the Marlies: Ryan Tverberg, Alex Steeves, and right-hand defenseman Topi Niemela. The Leafs claim that top prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan are not up for trade, and to obtain the teams 2024 first round selection they would like a player with term above a rental.