The Columbus Blue Jackets are dangling another power forward in front of the Maple Leafs as the team is reportedly taking offers for Dmitri Voronkov.
Toronto has already made one gigantic trade this season and it came at the cost of Matthew Knies, as they shipped him as well as Steven Lorentz and Emil Andrae to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, and Miles Wood.
While the latter two haven't factored into the Maple Leafs' season thus far, Marchenko has been a revelation and his ability to drive the offense and be the support that Auston Matthews needs has led to him as well as other stars getting off on the right foot offensively.
But they are still lacking that true physical force that Knies brought to the table and the team could use one more big body to help with traffic in front, and provide an intimidating presence on the ice.
Toronto can fleece the Blue Jackets of another top forward
And it just so happens the Blue Jackets have another player they're willing to part ways with - potentially.
According to Pierre LeBrun, the Blue Jackets are listening to offers on power forward Dmitri Voronkov as he's been a healthy scratch multiple times and while there's nothing concrete as of yet - they are interested in hearing what teams may offer:
Some teams calling with interest on winger Dmitri Voronkov. Not saying he will be traded for sure but CBJ listening.
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Voronkov, 26, has two assists in six games this season but has been a reliable and consistent contributor for the past three seasons. He's averaged 19 goals and 19 assists his past three seasons while also adding an average of 89 hits per season.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing over 230 pounds, Voronkov is essentially what Toronto had in Knies - a big, heavy, offensively skilled power forward. He's also in his prime years, and Columbus being in such a struggle hasn't boded well for his future with the team. If they can't find a spot for him now, then when?
Would Voronkov have a place in the Maple Leafs lineup?
Well, if Toronto wanted to get a bit more physical in the top six then absolutely. He's someone who can contribute offensively, and be a protector for not only guys like Auston Matthews and John Tavares, but Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna.
It actually may be best to see how Voronkov and McKenna work together, and as long as they have a defensive anchor in there like Colton Sissons or Nick Paul, then they could do some serious damage.
He currently makes $4.175M and is a restricted free agent at season's end, so it would be a perfect chance to see what he can do without a long-term commitment - or if he does thrive - end up earning one.
It feels like the Maple Leafs are building the Canadian Blue Jackets. First it was Marchenko, they also had the pleasure of adding Nick Blankenburg and Jack Roslovic, two former Columbus players. If they can add Voronkov it might just be the piece that puts them over the top.
And they will have only one team to thank for blessing them with a bevy of talent.
Should the Maple Leafs try and acquire Dmitiri Voronkov from the Columbus Blue Jackets?
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