With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are starting to look like logical trade partners-and the reason is simple: one team needs help on the blue line, and the other might be ready to sell.
Winnipeg’s 4-3 overtime loss to Toronto on Saturday dropped the Jets to 19-22-6, placing them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. For a team that had playoff aspirations, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
And with their season slipping away, the Jets could look to move some assets-particularly on defense. That’s where the Leafs come in.
Toronto is actively looking to bolster its defensive depth, and two names from Winnipeg have emerged as potential fits: Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn. Let’s break down what each could bring to the Leafs’ blue line.
Logan Stanley: Size, Snarl, and a Sneaky Offensive Touch
At 6-foot-7, Logan Stanley is hard to miss. The former first-round pick is having a breakout year, with eight goals and 15 points through 45 games. That may not jump off the page, but for a stay-at-home defenseman known more for his physicality than his point production, it’s a significant step forward.
Stanley plays a rugged, no-nonsense game. He blocks shots, throws his weight around, and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. He’s averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time per night, almost entirely at even strength, but his long reach and willingness to sacrifice the body could make him a candidate for Toronto’s second penalty-kill unit-something head coach Craig Berube might find appealing.
What’s changed this season is Stanley’s offensive confidence. He’s skating well, getting his booming slap shot through traffic, and contributing some much-needed secondary scoring. That added dimension is likely part of why he’s seeing more ice time and attention around the league.
Stanley is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so any deal would likely be a rental. But at 27, with his unique blend of size and skill starting to click, he could be more than just a short-term fix. Leafs GM Brad Treliving may see him as a piece worth keeping around-depending on the price.
If Winnipeg decides to sell high, the bidding could get competitive. But if GM Kevin Cheveldayoff keeps expectations in check-say, a mid-round pick and a B-level prospect-Toronto could be in business. A 2026 third-rounder and a depth forward from the Marlies might be enough to get talks moving.
There’s also the possibility of a player-for-player swap. Simon Benoit, who’s had an up-and-down season in Toronto, plays a similar style to Stanley and is under contract for next year at a manageable $1.3 million. If the Jets want a cheaper alternative to re-signing Stanley long-term, Benoit could be part of the return package.
Luke Schenn: A Familiar Face, A Veteran Presence
Then there’s Luke Schenn. Yes, that Luke Schenn-the former Leaf who’s already had two stints in Toronto and could be eyeing a third.
Schenn, now 36, has found himself in and out of the Jets’ lineup lately. He was even a healthy scratch in Toronto during what would’ve been his 1,100th NHL game-a milestone that surely stung. With the Jets fading from playoff contention, Cheveldayoff might look to do right by the veteran and send him to a team chasing a deep postseason run.
Like Stanley, Schenn is a pending UFA, but he comes with a $2.7 million cap hit. If Toronto is going to make this work, Winnipeg would likely need to retain some salary. Treliving can’t afford to bring in Schenn at full price-not if he wants to leave room for other moves, especially up front.
Even with age slowing him down, Schenn remains a steady, physical presence on the back end and a beloved teammate in the room. He’d be an upgrade over depth options like Philippe Myers or Benoit and could help fill the void left by Chris Tanev, who might not return this season. Schenn’s previous chemistry with Morgan Rielly is another factor worth noting-there’s history there, and it worked.
The acquisition cost for Schenn would likely be modest-think a late-round pick-but the cap gymnastics will be the real challenge. Toronto doesn’t have much space to work with, so any move for Schenn would need to be part of a broader, strategic plan.
What Comes Next?
With the Olympic roster freeze looming, time is ticking. The Leafs are expected to be active ahead of the deadline, and the blue line is a clear area of focus. Ideally, they’d like to add at least one defenseman and still have enough flexibility to chase a top-six forward.
That’s why a deal with Winnipeg makes so much sense. The Jets are looking to retool, not rebuild, and have pieces that could help Toronto now. Whether it’s Stanley’s size and upside or Schenn’s experience and leadership, the fit is there.
Keep your eyes on this one. Two Canadian teams, heading in different directions, might just find common ground in the coming weeks.