Disgruntled Blue Jackets Forward’s Decision Sparks Maple Leafs Trade Talk originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With superstar winger Mitch Marner gone, the Toronto Maple Leafs are exploring ways to replace his production and reshape their forward corps.
One intriguing target has unexpectedly become available: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov.
The 24-year-old winger has officially requested a trade from Columbus, as revealed by his agent, Shumi Babaev, on X last Thursday. Babaev later explained the situation in comments made to The Athletic, placing the blame squarely on Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason.
“I don’t think there’s any way he can stay in Columbus,” Babaev said. “I don’t see any way. (Chinakhov) is comfortable with this team. He’s comfortable with this city. But he’s not comfortable with this coach. It’s all about the coach.”
Yegor Chinakhov:
I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location.
Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here @BlueJacketsNHLpic.twitter.com/DQ1qU2oHFb— Shumi Babaev Agency (@BabayevShumi) July 17, 2025
Babaev explained that the lack of communication and unexplained demotion in the lineup soured Chinakhov’s season. After starting strong on the top line, Chinakhov was dropped to the third unit without a clear reason.
“The coach doesn’t tell him anything,” Babaev said. “Why would you do this?”
Chinakhov posted 29 points in 53 games in 2023-24 and followed up with 15 points in 30 games last year despite a coaching shift and reduced role. On a per-60-minute basis, the Russian has posted 2, 2.2 and 1.9 PTS/60 in the past three seasons.
Given the situation, the Maple Leafs are being floated as a potential landing spot for the disgruntled winger.
Maple Leafs analyst Ryan Ma studied a potential “franchise-altering” trade for Chinakhov in a piece for 6IX ON ICE. Meanwhile, fellow Leafs analyst Gordon Munro also discussed a potential trade at Editor In Leaf.
“A Chinakov [sic] trade would mean far more than just bringing a talented, young, cost-controlled offensive winger to Toronto,” Ma wrote. “It could point to a front office finally ready to enter the new age of player assessment and once again assert itself as one of the trailblazers and innovators of the modern NHL.”
“Depending on the price, the Leafs should be interested in acquiring Chinakhov,” Munro wrote. “If given the chance to play with stars like Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, William Nylander, and John Tavares, he could really thrive.”
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.