It appears a trade market is growing for former first-round pick Yegor Chinakhov as he remains without a permanent role in the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup after requesting a trade last season.

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports interested suitors are calling the Blue Jackets, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and other Atlantic Division teams among them.

“More and more calls coming in on Yegor Chinakhov, who asked for a trade after last season,” LeBrun explained on Insider Trading Thursday. “He’s a 2020 first-round pick of the Jackets and he asked for a trade because he basically was scratched from most of the late-season run that saw the Jackets come so close to making the playoffs. He’s only played in three games this year – all of those played in the last three games on the fourth line.

“There were 26 scouts from other teams at his first game up here last week against Colorado. Among the teams that we believe have checked in with Columbus on him include the Toronto Maple Leafs, who we know are looking for a forward upgrade. Detroit, Florida, Buffalo and certainly the Flames will be checking in.

“Having said all that, the Jackets don’t want to just dump this guy because he’s asked for a trade. You know, they want to make a hockey deal. They’re not looking for draft picks and frankly, they feel they’re one injury away in their top nine from needing him in a more meaningful way, so this is far from a done deal, but more and more calls on him.”

The 24-year-old winger has one assist in three games this season. He had seven goals and 15 points in 30 games with the Blue Jackets last season, a drop-off from finishing with 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games the previous year.

Chinakhov made his trade request public in July via a statement released by his agent, Shumi Babaev.

“I had some misunderstandings with the coach [Dean Evason] during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location,” Chinakhov said. “Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here.”

He remains signed through this season at a cap hit of $2.1 million and is scheduled to hit restricted free agency in July.

Chinakhov made his NHL debut with Columbus during the 2021-22 season, posting seven goals and 14 points in 62 games, which remains his career-high for games played in a season.

In 178 career games, the native of Omsk, Russia has 34 goals and 72 points.