If the Arizona Coyotes didn't take Noah Hanifin, the Leafs were interested in moving away from the Mitch Marner selection in order to move back with the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to a video released on Jackets TV.
The video shows Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen mulling over a deal that would have sent the fourth overall pick to Columbus in exchange for a first round pick (No. 8) and three second round picks (No. 34, 38, 58).
Kekalainen, confident that they can draft Zach Werenski, who he says is "so close" with Noah Hanifin, at eighth overall, decides not to make the move.
The picks that would have been involved in the trade ultimately turned into Zach Werenski, Travis Dermott, Paul Bittner and Kevin Stenlund.
Had the trade been made, it would have likely meant the Leafs wouldn't have moved back later in the first round to select Dermott, and would have instead also had a shot at taking a player such as Travis Konecny, Nick Merkley or Jeremy Roy with their original 24th overall selection.
Watch the video below:
Would you have made the deal?
| Yes, the Leafs could've added several quality players. | 1493 |
| No, the Leafs couldn't afford to pass on Mitch Marner. | 2187 |
