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Could the Oilers land Simon Benoit from the Maple Leafs in this trade pitch?
The Edmonton Oilers should be looking to add to their roster ahead of the 2026 NHL deadline. At the time of this writing, the Oilers are second in the Pacific Division standings with 28-22-8 record and 64 points. However, the Seattle Kraken, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings are all close behind them, so the Oilers should be looking to boost their roster.
The Oilers have multiple trade needs ahead of the deadline, and one of them is undoubtedly improving their blueline. It is clear that the Oilers’ defensive group could use more depth, so it would not be surprising in the slightest if they looked to add another blueliner.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the other hand, could end up being sellers at the deadline. While they have a respectable 27-21-9 record, they are also six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference standings. If they do not move up the standings after the Olympic break, they could end up being open to moving out players.
When looking at the Maple Leafs’ trade candidates, defenseman Simon Benoit stands out as a solid potential option for the Oilers. Due to this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that has Toronto sending Benoit to the Oilers.
Oilers Get:
Simon Benoit (25% Retained)
Maple Leafs Get:
Maple Leafs’ Simon Benoit Is a Trade Candidate to Watch
With the Maple Leafs being on the wrong side of the playoff line, Benoit has been creating chatter as a trade candidate this season. Due to this, he was recently included on NHL insider Chris Johnston’s most recent trade board for The Athletic.
“The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. That’s the main reason his name has recently started making the rounds,” Johnston wrote.
With Benoit being in the rumor mill, it would be wise for the Oilers to consider making a push for him. The 27-year-old defenseman would have the potential to be a strong fit on their blueline, as he can play both sides. The hard-hitting defenseman would also offer the Oilers another option to work with on their penalty kill if brought in.
While Benoit is not a star, he is a solid shutdown defenseman who can move up and down the lineup if needed. This could make the 6-foot-4 defenseman a good pickup for an Oilers club that needs some real help on its blueline.
Maple Leafs’ Benoit Has the Potential to Generate Plenty of Interest
While Benoit has the potential to be a great fit on the Oilers, the same can be said for several other teams. There is no question that playoff clubs love to add big and hard-nosed defensemen like Benoit, so the Maple Leafs should receive plenty of interest in him.
A few teams besides the Oilers that could make sense as landing spots for Benoit include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and Dallas Stars.
In 49 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Benoit has recorded three assists, 79 blocks, and 128 hits. He has had over 200 hits in each of his previous three seasons.
Michael DeRosa Michael covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has professionally covered the NHL since 2017 and has written for other publications like The Hockey News, BetMGM, Athlon Sports, and The Hockey Writers. More about Michael DeRosa
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