The Columbus Blue Jackets have been in disarray but their signing of Adam Fantilli has changed the Toronto Maple Leafs' trade hopes involving Zach Werenski.
Werenski is one of the best defenseman in the entire NHL, so it should come as no surprise that the Maple Leafs would want to acquire him.
Months ago, the Leafs were attempting to put a package together, but nothing happened as the Blue Jackets sold Werenski on bringing the band back together.
While Kirill Marchenko doesn't appear interested in staying in Columbus, at least one player actually is. That man is Adam Fantilli, who just signed a six-year deal worth $13.25 million per season.
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This is a massive contract for the Blue Jackets, and it comes with some unfortunate consequences for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs can kiss Werenski goodbye
Had Fantilli decided to leave Columbus, then Werenski would have had much more incentive to accept a trade and go somewhere else.
However, Fantilli is here to stay, and the Blue Jackets appear to be looking to keep things flowing and potentially make the playoffs after yet another bad season.
For the Maple Leafs, they did at least find themselves a Darren Raddysh, which softens the blow of not ending up with Werenski. Still, general manager John Chayka must still be hoping for an opening.
Trade talks always come and go. Opportunities come and go as well, and the Leafs are just going to have to take a wait-and-see approach to this whole situation.
For now, however, the Leafs are better off focusing on the roster they have right now.
Do you believe Zach Werenski is a possibility for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
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