Maple Leafs Eye Brayden Schenn in Proposed Trade to Bolster Center Depth
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to target a centerman this offseason, addressing what is widely considered their most pressing roster need.
Using the trade simulator tool PuckGM on PuckPedia, one user suggested a significant deal that would send Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues to Toronto. The proposed trade involves:
To Maple Leafs:
- Brayden Schenn (with $3.3 million salary retained)
To Blues:
- Ben Danford
- Pontus Holmberg
- 2028 first-round pick
This mock trade would be a bold move for Toronto, acquiring a proven veteran in Schenn while parting with a recent first-round pick in Danford and another in 2028. The Blues would also absorb part of Schenn’s salary, raising the price for Toronto.
Schenn is in year six of his eight-year, $52 million contract and would slot in as a second or third-line center depending on John Tavares’ status. A former Stanley Cup champion and current Blues captain, Schenn posted 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points last season. He has strong ties to Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who coached him in St. Louis during their Cup run.
Berube recently praised Schenn after his 1,000th NHL game:
“I love that player, I love the guy. He’s a super human being… He’s dedicated to the game, he prepares year-round, and he’s a real hockey nerd. Very happy for him.”
Toronto attempted to acquire Schenn at the trade deadline, but the Blues ultimately held onto him. Now, with the offseason in full swing, the possibility of a deal being revisited seems more realistic.
NHL insider Jonas Siegel of The Athletic listed Schenn among nine players the Leafs might pursue to address their center depth. Siegel highlighted Schenn’s connection to Berube and his fit with Toronto’s style, though he acknowledged concerns about age and playoff performance.
“He’s older and hasn’t been as impactful in the postseason as someone like Sam Bennett. Still, if Toronto can lower the asking price and get salary retention, Schenn could be a more reasonable alternative,” Siegel wrote.
Toronto enters the offseason with roughly $25.7 million in cap space, giving them room to maneuver if a deal materializes.
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