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Brad Treliving Takes Eye-Opening Stance on Trading Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford


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Alexander Cole
November 5, 2025  (10:00)
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Jun 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving is introduced by club president Brendan Shanahan (left) at a press conference at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs want to trade for a top-six forward, and unfortunately, this could mean parting ways with guys like Easton Cowan and Ben Danford.

Ben Danford is a defenseman with tremendous potential who was taken by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2024 NHL entry draft.
Overall, there is a case to be made that Danford could be on the Leafs roster in a year or two from now. But first, he must get through the current season with the Brantford Bulldogs.
Unfortunately for Danford, he is already being brought up in trade conversations. The Maple Leafs want a top-six forward, and teams will be looking for the team's high-end prospects in return.

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Ben Danford?

According to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet, the Leafs are indeed open to the idea of trading Danford, although there are plenty of considerations that have to be made.
If Danford can be a top-four defenseman, then the Leafs probably won't want to risk making such a potentially egregious deal.
Ben Danford could be a more attainable prospect, though opinions around the league vary on whether he'll top out as a bottom-pair defenceman or develop into a top-four option.
The one player who is untouchable right now is none other than Easton Cowan. He is someone the Leafs want to make part of their future, and losing him would be disastrous.
While the Maple Leafs would like to add a scoring winger, they're limited by a lack of trade assets compared to other teams. Many clubs are expected to inquire about Easton Cowan, but he's considered untouchable for now.

The Maple Leafs have a lot to think about right now, and it is going to be fascinating to see what Treliving is able to do going forward.
Hopefully, the Leafs are able to hold the line and improve the team without giving up too much.
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Brad Treliving Takes Eye-Opening Stance on Trading Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford

Do you believe the Maple Leafs would be wise to trade Ben Danford?

YES8534.6 %
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