Maple Leafs Trade Philosophy & Scotiabank Saddledome Memories: John Chayka Open To In-Season Blockbusters, Reflects on Calgary Arena

CALGARY — Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka confirmed he remains willing to execute another significant in-season trade if the right opportunity presents itself and offered a light-hearted recollection of the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Following the off-season acquisition of forward Kirill Marchenko in a deal that sent Matthew Knies the other way, Chayka was asked whether he would be comfortable making a similar-sized move during the regular season.

“Yeah. Yeah,” he replied without hesitation during the club’s morning skate as his team prepared for a matchup against the Calgary Flames.

The short affirmative answer signals that the front office does not view the regular-season calendar as a barrier to major roster changes. Combined with earlier comments about evaluating the market for defensive help and maintaining salary-cap flexibility, the statement keeps the possibility of further transactions open as the Leafs navigate the early portion of the schedule.

The Maple Leafs could use some help on defense, but finding a real game-changer would probably take a swing of a similar magnitude to the Marchenko/Knies trade.

The Leafs prepare to play their final regular-season game at the Scotiabank Saddledome before the club moves to a brand-new facility across the street.

Chayka was asked about any fond memories of the Saddledome. His response was characteristically straightforward and self-deprecating.

“I don’t really love heights, so walking across the catwalk is not a fond memory, but maybe it’ll be a fond memory walking over tonight.”

You have to go high above the ice to get across from one side of the press box to the other. It makes for a fairly daunting experience for anyone who is afraid of heights.

With a 7-4-2 record and riding a four-game winning streak, things are looking pretty good for the club from any perspective.

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