The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be active in the trade market as the playoffs approach, with one trade suggestion involving the addition of a strong defenseman.

Using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, a user proposed a trade that would send Mikey Anderson from the Los Angeles Kings to the Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs Trade Proposal:

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
– Mikey Anderson
– 2026 sixth-round pick

Los Angeles Kings acquire:
– Matt Benning
– Fraser Minten
– Nikita Grebenkin

This proposed trade would bolster the Maple Leafs’ defense, as they would add Mikey Anderson to their blue line. Anderson, who is in the second year of an eight-year, $33 million contract, would likely slot in as a second-pairing defenseman for Toronto. He has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists (7 points) in 21 games this season and could also contribute offensively to the Leafs’ defense.

In return, the Kings would receive Matt Benning, a reliable NHL defenseman, as well as two promising young forwards: Fraser Minten, a top prospect projected as a middle-six centerman, and Nikita Grebenkin, a physical bottom-six forward.

Benning, who was acquired by the Leafs from the San Jose Sharks earlier this season, is in the third year of his four-year, $5 million deal. However, with Toronto’s roster currently full, there may not be room for him, and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggested the Leafs could be looking to trade him. He has over 460 career NHL games to his name, with 17 goals and 85 assists.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are awaiting the return of captain Auston Matthews, who has missed the last eight games due to an undisclosed injury. Matthews recently returned to practice and hopes to be back in the lineup by November 27.