Maple Leafs reportedly out on high-interest trade target out West

The Maple Leafs have had a longstanding connection to Schenn, dating back multiple years, and for good reason. The St. Louis Blues captain brings all of the intangibles that a playoff team is looking for. His leadership qualities are evident. His ferocity, defensive play, and winning pedigree are also of note.

Last season, the Leafs came the closest to nabbing Schenn than they had ever been, but unfortunately for Brad Treliving, Schenn's desire to remain in St. Louis to try to push for a playoff spot negated any chance of the Leafs acquiring him.

This year, Schenn is believed to be more available than he was last season, but as fate would have it, the Leafs appear to be out of the running, despite the fact that he could actually be had this year.

Per The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta revealed on January 6th during an appearance on "Morning Cuppa Hockey" that the Leafs are not one of the teams who are the best fit for Schenn.

The Blues captain has registered just 18 points this season, and carries a concerning -21 rating, perhaps one of the main reasons why the Leafs' interest has cooled. Also, if Schenn moves, he'll want to move to a contending team, and with the Leafs still outside of the playoffs, it's unlikely that they'd be a preferred destination.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos revealed this week that the Leafs were dangling prospect Easton Cowan to the Blues last season in a Schenn deal, with the rookie forward recently being taken off the table.

However, Kypreos also implied that the Leafs could be willing to part with not only Cowan, but their top defensive prospect as well in Ben Danford, if it means landing stud forward Jason Robertson from the Dallas Stars.

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