Before the 2024-25 NHL season could turn a month old, necessary trades have already started and the Toronto Maple Leafs might not be done working the phones.
The Maple Leafs dealt defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks because he wasn’t finding his way into the lineup.
In return for Liljegren, the Maple Leafs acquired a couple of draft picks and 30-year-old defenseman Matt Benning.
The Maple Leafs are currently holding Benning in a similar situation to Liljegren in that he is on the roster, but likely won’t see much playing time, if any.
Facing a similar situation, already, the Maple Leafs may be looking to flip Benning in another trade.
According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Benning is on his way to Toronto, but it may not be for long.
“I think it’s very possible that the Leafs will try to flip Benning,” Friedman said.
“I heard he was on a flight to Toronto today, but I think it’s possible Toronto tries to flip him.”
Friedman noted that the Maple Leafs have a fully stocked roster with multiple players who are no doubt ahead of Benning on the depth chart nearing a return from injury.
One of those players nearing a return is defenseman Jani Hakanpaa.
