At one point, the Leafs discussed a Nick Robertson for Egor Chinakhov swap with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but their offers fell short. They dangled a second-round pick around the league, looking for short-term help. They also contemplated re-acquiring Luke Schenn. However, save for a waiver claim on Troy Stecher in November, the Leafs GM made no moves to rescue his flailing squad.
According to league sources, the Leafs were consistently in on the final stages of trade talks like those for Chinakhov, but were never able to close deals that might have helped stem the bleeding. The skilled forward was eventually dealt to Pittsburgh in late December for second- and third-round picks and produced 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games as a Penguin on their top line.