Former 21st Overall Pick Becomes Available to the Maple Leafs in Potential Nick Robertson Trade

Nick Robertson is very likely to be on his way out of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Easton Cowan is on the verge of taking his spot, and this has opened up a pathway for trade talks.

In a recent report, it was revealed that the Leafs would like to trade for draft compensation, and this has opened up a pathway for trade talks.

However, there is always a possibility of trading Robertson for another forward. You can never have too much talent, and there is no guarantee that Cowan will spend the entire season with the Leafs' NHL roster.

Having said that, there could be an opportunity with 24-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, who is a former 21st overall pick.

Throughout the Summer, Chinakhov has been unhappy with the Blue Jackets and has been asking for a trade. With the regular season about to start, Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report believes the Blue Jackets might be looking to pull the trigger.

While the Maple Leafs have not been linked to Chinakhov just yet, there is reason to believe that both sides would be enticed by this kind of deal.

Last season, Chinakhov had 15 points in 30 games, while notching 29 in 53 the season before. Meanwhile, Robertson would have an enhanced role on the Blue Jackets, seeing as though that is a team in need of scoring.

It is one of those deals that would be mutually beneficial for both teams. Whether or not it comes to fruition remains to be seen.

Either way, this remains an intriguing prospect, and Toronto Maple Leafs fans should be on high alert this week as a trade of some sort appears imminent.