NHL Rumor Roundup: Maple Leafs Winger Easton Cowan Not 'Untradeable', Kraken Seek A Scorer

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka created a stir when asked if Eastern Cowan had become untradeable.

"I don’t think anyone's untradeable, but he's a good player," Chayka said. He praised the 21-year-old sophomore winger's performance this season, pointing out his passion, 200-foot game, and work ethic, calling him "everything you'd want in a Toronto Maple Leaf."

Chayka also didn't rule out making another blockbuster trade. On Sept. 28, he shipped popular power forward Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets for scoring winger Kirill Marchenko in a multi-player deal.

The Hockey News' David Alter noted that Cowan's name surfaced recently in the rumor mill. Chayka is reportedly trying to improve his defense, especially since shutdown blueliner Chris Tanev was sidelined earlier this month.

Earlier reports suggested the Maple Leafs weren't seeking "band-aid solutions" and were open to moving a "premium asset" for a difference-maker on defense.

Cowan's performance this season could put him into the premium asset category. He’s among their leading scorers with 14 points in 15 games.

Chayka's blockbuster trade last month indicated the first-year Maple Leafs GM isn't afraid to make a bold move to improve his club. Nevertheless, his praise of Cowan suggests it’s unlikely the youngster will be part of a trade package.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, the Kraken are off to a good start to this season, sitting third in the Pacific Division with a record of 8-4-1 after a 5-4 win over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

The Kraken's lack of a high-scoring forward remains an issue, especially with winger Jared McCann sidelined.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Kraken GM Jason Botterill could draw on some of his promising young centers as trade bait to address that issue.

Dreger might have been referreing to Matty Beniers (23), Shane Wright (22), and Berkly Catton (20).

It's unlikely Botterill moves Beniers, who is the closest thing the Kraken have to a first-line center. Catton is off to a strong start to his sophomore campaign, sitting among his club’s leading scorers with 10 points in 13 games.

Wright seems to be the most likely trade candidate. He appeared frequently in the rumor mill since last season, but no offers materialized to tempt the Kraken GM into moving him. However, it’ll take more than Wright to land that elusive scoring forward.

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