NHL Trades and Rumors
Maple Leafs Defenseman Added to Insiders Latest Trade Board
Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit has emerged as a trade chip ahead of the deadline.
A new name has surfaced on TSN insider Chris Johnston’s latest trade board, and it’s Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit.
The physical blueliner had been sidelined the last two games with an upper-body injury, though he is expected to return to action Monday night against Minnesota, so it shouldn’t impact any potential move.
Johnston not only added Benoit to the fourth edition of his 2025–26 trade board but slotted him all the way up at No. 19—jumping ahead of several players who have been swirling around the rumor mill for far longer, including the likes of Brayden Schenn, Jordan Binnington, and Evander Kane, among others.
“A prototypical defensive defenseman who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing opponents physically, Benoit has endured some recent scratches. The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. That’s the main reason his name has recently started making the rounds. What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has extremely limited offensive impacts.”
While not known for his offense, the 27-year-old Benoit has been limited to just three points (three assists) in 41 games this season, following a 10-point 2024-25 campaign. He’s in year two of the three-year, $4.05 million extension signed with the Maple Leafs in 2024.
Simon Benoit Could Become Expendable
As the Maple Leafs continue their push for the playoffs, rumors leading up to the trade deadline have consistently suggested they’re looking to add on the blue line—particularly on the right side—with Chris Tanev likely done for the season.
If Toronto does bring in another defenseman, Benoit would quickly become the odd man out behind Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Troy Stecher, and whoever that addition ends up being. As a result, it makes sense that GM Brad Treliving could look to move him in order to recoup future assets in what may be more of a retooling deadline than the all-in approaches they’ve taken in years past.
Benoit remains a very capable bottom-pair defenseman who can provide value to a playoff team, so if he is indeed available, expect no shortage of interest—and a relatively solid return for the Maple Leafs.
Next: Forget Floated Nylander Trade — Maple Leafs Can Land D-Man Another Way
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