Toronto Maple Leafs Emerge as Top Contender for Brayden Schenn, per Darren Dreger
The Toronto Maple Leafs linked to center Brayden Schenn as the team searches for a forward, according to insider Darren Dreger.
A new report links the Leafs to Brayden Schenn in yet another forward in a continuous speculation pool the past few months linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Darren Dreger reported on TSN's Insider Trading the possibility of Schenn, currently captain of the St. Louis Blues, as an option to hit the trade market, with it possible for Toronto to be a destination for the 33-year-old.
Dreger revealed that the Leafs are one team that makes sense for Schenn, but adds that a deal for the Blues forward comes at a hefty cost.
Will Brayden Schenn Be Too Expensive For The Toronto Maple Leafs
While Brayden Schenn would be a major impact player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it would clearly be a monumental task to acquire him, a deal that will involve a major return.
The Leafs do not have a first round pick for this draft but do in 2026, something that won't bother teams with a stronger draft crop next year depth wise.
As reported earlier in the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs would rather not move top prospect Easton Cowan unless a major return is on the table. If Brayden Schenn that caliber of player is unknown.
There's also the question over affordability. Schenn is currently making $6.5M until 2028, in which time he will be 36.
Schenn, 33, has 11 goals and 30 points in 54 games with St. Louis.
Schenn is also a responsible defensive center with good leadership ability, evident by his history wearing a letter.
Brayden is the brother of former Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn, who played in Toronto from 2008-2012, and again during the 2022-23 season.
Some Leafs experts were a bit divided on the potential of adding Schenn.
Kevin Papetti of 'The Athletic' noted the high cost of Schenn as an acquisition, as well as concerns over his age.
Kareem Ramadan of DobberProspects of DobberProspects, however, called Schenn a player to go all-in for, noting his all-around game and impact away from the scoresheet.
The question is if there is an even a return for Schenn that makes sense for Toronto.
The Leafs have just over $2.2M in available cap space as it stands, so to fit Schenn at $6.5M would mean cutting around $4.5M in space.
Making above $4M+ for Toronto are the core-four players, almost surely not on the move, as well as Morgan Rielly & Chris Tanev, both of whom are unlikely to be dealt.
If the St. Louis Blues were to retain salary, with them retaining 50%, and a third team taking on 25%, means just $1.625M. Getting Schenn for such a low amount means an absolute haul.
If Schenn is retained at 25%, with an additional 25% to a third team, at $3.25M, this makes things a lot more easier to picture.
One player who fits is Max Domi at $3.75M yearly until 2028. The move makes things easier for St. Louis to deal Schenn with term, but they'll still need one big asset back.
Another, more realistic, option is moving David Kampf, along with Nick Robertson, to make the contracts work.
Assuming Cowan is off the table deal, there are three potential impact options,
- 2026 first round pick
- Fraser Minten
- Nikita Grebenkin
Forward depth is not a need for the Blues, with their biggest issue in their prospect pool being a lack of defense. But moving one of Toronto's top defenders, including first rounder Ben Danford, isn't a certainty.
A deal involving St. Louis could revolve around Kampf, Robertson, and a first rounder for Brayden Schenn.
If that's not enough, Toronto could help St. Louis in their need for a potential top-four RHD.
Ben Danford is the top option on the right side, unless a player closer to the NHL is wanted as a prospect, RHD options include Topi Niemela & William Villeneuve. Essentially, giving up Danford, a first rounder last draft, is in a sense giving up two seconds.
Niemela would be a solid addition for the Blues in their AHL top-four, with him a potential contender for a NHL spot next season. AHL Springfield needs some right-handed relief with Matthew Kessel called up to St. Louis, he himself a solid defensive add that would be someone the Leafs would be wise to look at.
So a deal could mean for Schenn,
To Toronto : C - Brayden Schenn (25% retained), RHD - Matthew Kessel
To St. Louis : C - David Kampf, LW - Nick Robertson, 2026 1st Round Pick, RHD - Topi Niemela
Third team : 25% retention on Schenn
Whatever goes on with Brayden Schenn, it's clear he'll be a massive name for contending teams who want a reliable veteran leader who plays a full game, if teams can afford the apparent sky-high cost.
