Report: Blue Jackets Rejected Maple Leafs Early-Season Trade Offer

The Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to make a move but the Columbus Blue Jackets weren't interested.

Reports have surfaced stating the Maple Leafs were looking to trade Nick Robertson heading into this season and reached out to the Blue Jackets for Yegor Chinakhov, but Columbus wasn't sold that Robertson was the move.

Siegel/Johnston/Mirtle: At one point, the Leafs discussed a Nick Robertson for Egor Chinakhov swap with the Blue Jackets, but their offers fell short - The Athletic (4/15)

The Blue Jackets ended up finding a home for Chinakhov, moving him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round draft pick, and a 2027 third-round draft pick. Robertson wound up sticking around the Maple Leafs all season long, scoring 16 goals and 16 assists, for 32 points in 78 games. Robertson's a pending restricted free agent this summer and has asked for a trade from the Leafs in the past, so don't be surprised to see him moved this offseason instead of being offered a long-term extension.

Chinakhov on the other hand, took off with the Penguins and is a big part of their top six heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The towering winger posted 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games, and appears to be a big piece of the Pens core moving forward.

What do we think? Sounds like the Blue Jackets made the right decision and depending on what they do with their draft picks, could come out with a better return than just Robertson from the Leafs.

Photo credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images