With the NHL trade deadline creeping closer-March 6 is now just over a month away-the Toronto Maple Leafs are staring down a tough decision. Sitting six points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 25 games to go, the Leafs are in that murky middle ground: close enough to dream, but far enough to consider a reset. And with a prospect pool that’s looking pretty thin, the idea of flipping some current roster pieces for future assets is very much on the table.
According to a recent trade board ranking, four Leafs players have emerged as potential trade candidates, including Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit-two names that might not jump off the page at first glance, but could quietly become valuable pieces for playoff-bound teams.
Bobby McMann: A Bargain with Bite
McMann is shaping up as one of the more intriguing trade chips Toronto has to offer. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent with a modest $1.35 million cap hit, and he brings a mix of size, scoring touch, and grit that playoff teams covet.
Through 56 games, McMann has tallied 19 goals and 13 assists-just two points shy of the career-high 34 he posted last season. He’s on pace for back-to-back 20-goal campaigns, and that kind of production, paired with his physical style, makes him an appealing add for contenders looking to bolster their middle six without breaking the bank.
McMann’s journey to this point is part of what makes him such a compelling story. Undrafted, he clawed his way up from the ECHL, proving himself at every level.
Now 29, he’s not just a feel-good story-he’s a legitimate contributor. He skates well for his size, doesn’t hesitate to throw the body, and plays with a relentlessness that fits the playoff mold.
And in a year when the NHL is introducing a playoff salary cap, his team-friendly contract might be one of the most attractive on the market.
If you’re looking for a recent trade to set the bar, the San Jose Sharks’ acquisition of Kiefer Sherwood from Vancouver might be a decent comp. Sherwood, also a pending UFA, fetched two second-round picks and a depth AHL defenseman. That kind of return sets a framework for what Toronto might expect in a McMann deal-especially if multiple teams get involved.
Simon Benoit: Physical, Reliable, and Affordable
Then there’s Simon Benoit. The 27-year-old defenseman doesn’t bring much flash, but he brings plenty of edge. With a cap hit of $1.35 million that runs through next season, Benoit offers more than just a rental-he’s a controllable depth piece for teams looking to add some sandpaper to their blue line.
Through 49 games, Benoit has three assists and a minus-five rating-not numbers that’ll light up any fantasy league, but that’s not his game. What he does bring is physicality.
He leads the Leafs in hits with 128 and isn’t afraid to sacrifice the body to block shots or win puck battles in the dirty areas. He’s the kind of player you notice when the game tightens up and every inch of ice matters.
That said, he’s been a healthy scratch at times this season, largely due to Toronto’s depth on the back end. But his low cap hit and rugged playing style could make him a sneaky value pickup for a team looking to round out its defensive corps. He’s not going to drive offense or quarterback a power play, but if you need a stay-at-home guy who plays hard minutes, Benoit fits the bill.
Other Names to Watch: Laughton and Järnkrok
Two more names floating around in trade chatter are Scott Laughton and Calle Järnkrok, both of whom are on expiring deals and could be moved before the deadline.
Laughton, with a $1.5 million cap hit, has eight goals and three assists in 39 games. He’s a versatile forward who can play up and down the lineup, kill penalties, and bring some veteran presence into a locker room.
Järnkrok, meanwhile, carries a $2.1 million cap hit and has posted six goals and one assist in 37 games. He’s known more for his two-way play than his scoring, but he’s another name that could draw interest from teams looking for depth and experience.
What Comes Next for Toronto?
The Leafs are in a tricky spot. They’re not out of the playoff race, but they’re not comfortably in it either. With limited draft capital and a farm system in need of replenishment, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them move one or more of these players to recoup some assets-especially if the standings don’t shift in their favor over the next couple of weeks.
McMann and Benoit are both the kind of players who can quietly make a difference in the postseason-guys who don’t demand the spotlight but thrive in the grind. And with affordable contracts and defined roles, they’re exactly the type of pieces contenders are looking for as the deadline approaches.
The clock is ticking. And for Toronto, the decisions they make in the next month could shape not just the rest of this season, but the foundation of what comes next.