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Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Puck-Moving Defenseman in Trade Proposal with the Avalanche


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Alexander Cole
September 7, 2025  (3:50 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol

One of the biggest needs for the Toronto Maple Leafs right now is a puck-moving defenseman, and the Colorado Avalanche could be the key to that pursuit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need a lot more defense from their blueline, and unfortunately, this is not particularly easy to find.
For the most part, offensive defenseman are at a premium, and teams do not want to give these guys up. When they do, there is a high price tag that comes with them.
Of course, this is a major reason for why the Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to make a move for one. Instead, they are biding their time, waiting for something to come to them.
However, the Leafs could always look for a team that has a puck-mover, but is in need of a stay-at-home defenseman. Simon Benoit is a guy they could use as trade bait.

Simon Benoit could be on the trade block for the Toronto Maple Leafs

According to Sports Data Quest on X, the Colorado Avalanche could be the key to the Maple Leafs making the move.
They argue that Sam Malinski is a puck-moving defenseman that can play on the right side of the Maple Leafs' third pairing. The Avalanche need a guy like Benoit, and have enough puck-movers with Cale Makar.
Simon Benoit for Sam Malinski (50k cap difference)

Toronto gets a puck moving 3RD.
Colorado gets a defensive physical 3LD to play with Burns.

Both teams get the third pair D on the side they need.
This deal would make a lot of sense for both sides, but that does not mean it is going to be happening anytime soon.
Instead, fans should wait for training camp to start before Brad Treliving goes out there and makes and big decisions regarding his roster.
There is still no telling what this roster is going to need when compared to the other teams in the NHL.
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Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Puck-Moving Defenseman in Trade Proposal with the Avalanche

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