The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bolster their center depth, and a proposed trade could help address that need.
Heavy.com floated a trade scenario in which Toronto acquires Anders Lee from the New York Islanders in exchange for a top prospect and a draft pick.
Proposed Trade:
- Maple Leafs receive: Anders Lee
- Islanders receive: Ben Danford, 2026 third-round pick
This potential deal would be significant, as it would bring Lee — a proven veteran center — to Toronto. Lee is in the final season of a seven-year, $49 million contract. The Islanders’ captain, he posted 29 goals and 25 assists for 54 points across all 82 games last season. Known for his two-way play, Lee would likely slot in as a strong second- or third-line center, bringing valuable playoff experience and offensive depth.
In exchange, the Islanders would receive 19-year-old defenseman Ben Danford, one of Toronto’s top two prospects and a 2024 first-round pick. Danford is a reliable, stay-at-home blue-liner who registered 5 goals and 20 assists in 61 games in the OHL last season. He would join an impressive pool of young Islanders defensemen, including Matthew Schaefer and Kashawn Aitcheson, both selected early in the most recent draft.
Danford Potential Trade Bait?
Given the Maple Leafs are in a “win-now” mode, moving high-potential prospects and future picks is on the table. NHL insider David Pagnotta recently shared on the JD Bunkis Podcast that Toronto is exploring the idea of including Danford in trade discussions.
“I’ve started to hear Ben Danford’s name as a piece that they might consider to dangle,” Pagnotta said.
If Toronto is willing to part with Danford, it would likely require a high-impact return — someone like Lee, who could help stabilize the center position immediately.
This development is somewhat surprising, as Danford was previously seen as a core part of the Leafs’ future plans.
Leafs Still Seeking Offensive Help
Although the Leafs added Nicolas Roy, a player better suited for the wing or a fourth-line center role, and with John Tavares returning, the urgency for another center may have eased slightly. Still, after losing Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade, Toronto remains in need of offensive reinforcements.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” said GM Brad Treliving. “But we were able to recoup a player who I think can really help us… Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole. That’s really where our focus is.”
As it stands, Toronto’s projected centers are Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy. Adding another middle-six center like Lee could further solidify the lineup for a deep playoff run.
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