The Toronto Maple Leafs could have a surprising player on the trade block this season. The chatter has centered on Morgan Rielly being a primary trade target. But it’s not Rielly who’s landed on the latest trade board by The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.
That player would be Simon Benoit.
Benoit landed on Johnston’s trade board 4.0 ahead of the Olympic roster freeze set to take place in about two weeks. The trade board includes the usual suspects, with virtually all Maple Leafs players dropping off the board.
In earlier iterations, Johnston had placed Matias Maccelli and Brandon Carlo as prime trade targets. That’s changed since the Maple Leafs turned their fortunes around, and the players themselves have also shown improvement.
But it has been Benoit who’s been on the outside looking in over the last few games. He’s been a healthy scratch a few times this season, suggesting his role could be diminishing. Benoit did not play against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night, then returned on Monday night against the Minnesota Wild, but saw his ice time drop to 13:50.
Regardless, Benoit could be a piece that might attract suitors if the Maple Leafs are willing to trade him. Johnston wrote this interesting point regarding the 27-year-old:
“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.”
Indeed, blueliners like Philippe Myers, Henry Thrun, and even Matt Benning could make Benoit largely expendable. Teams looking for depth could find Benoit’s $1.35 million cap hit highly palatable at the trade deadline.
What Maple Leafs Can Expect in Return for Benoit
Realistically, the Maple Leafs shouldn’t expect a massive haul for Benoit. If anything, Benoit could land two or even three pieces from a team desperately seeking for help. For instance, the San Jose Sharks gave up two second-round picks and an AHL-level player for Kiefer Sherwood.
While Benoit isn’t nearly as coveted as Sherwood was, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see the Maple Leafs getting back a couple of late-round picks and potentially another AHL-level player or a washed-up prospect.
It’s worth pointing out that teams often give up on prospects, opting to jettison them in trades for players like Benoit. So, there’s a chance the Leafs can find a diamond in the rough.
Benoit’s Cap Hit Is Most Attractive
The most attractive part of Simon Benoit is his cap hit. It’s the type of hit any team can easily take on. That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that GM Brad Treliving has been getting calls on Benoit.
As for actually trading him, that largely depends on what teams are willing to pay. Trading Benoit for a sixth-round pick wouldn’t make sense. But moving him for, say, two sixth-rounders and a middling prospect, well, that’s another story.
The Maple Leafs don’t have much to play with at the deadline. So, if Benoit is garnering attention, the team should consider pulling the trigger.
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