New trade rumour links Maple Leafs and Avalanche in stunning defensive swap
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
A new trade rumour has surfaced linking the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche in a surprising third-pair defensive swap that could shake up both blue lines.
One analyst on social media has floated a new trade idea, suggesting the Maple Leafs send Simon Benoit to the Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Sam Malinski.
Big trade reportedly brewing between Maple Leafs and Avalanche.
Charlie McAfee from Hockey Patrol writes that the big question around Toronto this summer has been whether the Maple Leafs will pull the trigger on a deal. Options range from a straightforward cap dump involving someone like David Kampf, to cashing in on Nick Robertson's rising hype, or even making a splash with a blockbuster centered around Morgan Rielly.
"But one name that hasn't really been thrown about in trade talks is defenseman Simon Benoit. Often a quieter name among all the stars, he offers Toronto a player who isn't afraid to put his body on the line in any regard, and while his defensive game lacks at points, he's solid nonetheless." -McAfee
With the Maple Leafs already undergoing a clear identity shift, could Benoit be the next casualty? One analyst on social media believes so. James of SportsDataQuest recently floated a trade proposal on X that would see the Leafs send Benoit to the Avalanche in exchange for Malinski.
"Malinski would bring that right-handed shot and while his numbers aren't eye-popping right now, he has 25 points in 99 games and is a more than respectable 3D who can still block a ton of shots and throw hits.
Of all the players Toronto could move this season, Benoit is one of the only defenders they can really afford to give away if only for the fact they have enough depth and are in desperate need of another facilitator." -McAfee
Of all the players Toronto could move this season, Benoit is one of the only defenders they can really afford to give away if only for the fact they have enough depth and are in desperate need of another facilitator." -McAfee
While the move makes sense for the Maple Leafs, whether they'd actually pull the trigger remains an open question.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 38 ANSWERS New trade rumour links Maple Leafs and Avalanche in stunning defensive swap Would you trade Malinksi in exchange for Benoit from the Maple Leafs? | ||
| yes | 14 | 36.8 % |
| no | 24 | 63.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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