Elliotte Friedman confirms a major trade rumor regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Tom Banks
November 1, 2024 (4:46 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs just made the huge move to trade Timothy Liljegren, and now they're reportedly preparing to flip one of those assets they just received from the San Jose Sharks as their blue line is seemingly all full as of right now.

Following months of speculation, the Toronto Maple Leafs came together with the San Jose Sharks to move Timothy Liljegren, receiving a solid return for the 25-year-old defenseman. In return, the team landed a third and a fifth-round draft pick, as well as 30-year-old defenseman Matt Benning, who has spent the last three seasons of his career with the San Jose Sharks.

However, many questioned bringing back Benning in the trade, as the team already has a blue line with seven or eight NHL-ready defensemen, making Elliotte Friedman's latest comments make perfect sense, as he revealed the team could look to flip him.

"I think it is very possible that the Leafs will try and flip (Matt) Benning"

While the market won't be as strong as it was for Liljegren, teams are willing to take on Benning, as Freidman recently named him as an intriguing target for the Edmonton Oilers. With the Maple Leafs having plenty of depth, one thing that GM Brad Treliving is searching for is draft capital, so while Benning may only net them a fifth or sixth-rounder, it would be worth it as they look to upgrade their roster throughout the season.

In 474 career NHL games, Benning has posted 17 goals and 102 points, with his best season of 23 points coming back in 2022/23, so expect to see him draw plenty of interest and potentially be moved by the Maple Leafs in the coming days and weeks.