Maple Leafs Eyeing "Bigger Prize" as Top Prospect Enters Trade Rumors
Despite rumors connecting the Toronto Maple Leafs to Jack Roslovic in free agency, it appears Brad Treliving's primary focus is on the trade market. After striking out on targets like Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers and losing Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs have a gaping hole to fill with limited top-tier options available via free agency.
While many trade avenues exist, recent news suggests the Leafs are not just looking to fill a top-six spot but are instead targeting a high-impact player. With Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies locked into top-six roles, and with John Tavares and Matias Maccelli likely joining them, only one opening remains at either center or on the wing.
On the JD Bunkis Podcast, NHL Insider David Pagnotta revealed a new name circulating in trade rumors: Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford. Selected in the first round of the 2024 Draft, Danford took significant strides in his first post-draft year as a two-way defender. One of his most sought-after attributes is his physical play, a skill set that has become increasingly rare.
Danford currently ranks second in the Leafs’ prospect pool behind Easton Cowan. At 6-foot-2, the right-handed defender is exactly the type of prospect many teams covet. While it initially seemed Toronto would hold onto its biggest trade chips, it now appears the Leafs may have their eyes on a bigger prize.
If the Leafs choose to trade Danford, it would almost certainly be for a young, controllable asset. Whether for a player like Mason McTavish, Cole Sillinger, or someone similar, it is hard to believe Treliving would move on from a prospect he values so highly. However, with the team under the microscope, the pressure to win now is immense.
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