Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Simon Benoit could be dealt as a new report suggests interest in the Leafs defenseman.
New reporting suggests that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit could find himself on the trade block as it appears teams have some serious interest.
A report from insider Chris Johnston said that Benoit could be a trade target for teams. Ranking Johnston 19th on his trade board for the 2026 trade deadline, Johnston said that Benoit is someone who is being targeted by rival teams.
Johnston said that Benoit’s contract, with two years remaining at $1.35M annually, is viewed as a bargain buy for potential teams that could be in the hunt for a depth defenseman.
Benoit, 27, has appeared in 41 games this season for the Leafs, the 6’4 defenseman capable of playing both sides of the blueline while being largely used on the bottom-pair.
Why Simon Benoit might still be traded if the Leafs look to contend
The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone from a basement team to bordering on contention, and it has changed their outlook on their roster construction, but a player like Simon Benoit could still be someone on the move.
Even if the Leafs are a contending team that position themselves to be buyers, moving Benoit could still be likely at the right price.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that has been looking for additional help on the right-hand side of their blueline, filling a hole that would be had with the loss of Benoit on defense.
The Leafs appear unlikely to move a current NHL youngster such as Easton Cowan, part of their inability to compete in the sweepstakes for Andersson.
Dougie Hamilton is among the names still linked on the trade block who could come Toronto’s way, while coming at less of a cost than Andersson, while still being a potential upgrade on Benoit.
With Chris Tanev likely to miss the rest of the regular season, adding to the Leafs blueline becomes much more essential, and Benoit could still be moved as Toronto restructures defensively, or add to a light prospect pool and draft cupboard.
Simon Benoit might not just be a potential trade option to regain some value, but could help the Leafs afford the type of deal that makes a major trade to help on defense.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
POLL
2 HOURS AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 54 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs defenseman lands on insider trade board ahead of the deadline
Should the Leafs trade Simon Benoit?