Maple Leafs Set to Acquire $52M Star in 3-Player Blockbuster Deal
TORONTO, ON – In a stunning move that could reshape their roster ahead of a critical 2025–26 campaign, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly on the verge of acquiring St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn in a blockbuster three-player trade that includes a first-round draft pick and top prospect Hunter Danford heading the other way.
The deal, which has yet to be officially confirmed by either organization, is expected to see Schenn—currently in the sixth year of his eight-year, $52 million contract—land in Toronto as the Maple Leafs look to solidify their center depth and make a deeper run in the postseason.
A Proven Winner
Schenn, 33, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to a Maple Leafs roster still searching for the right combination to end their Stanley Cup drought. The veteran forward tallied 18 goals and 32 assists last season, finishing with 50 points in 82 games. He also carries the valuable distinction of being a Stanley Cup champion, having lifted the trophy in 2019 under head coach Craig Berube.
With John Tavares’ future in Toronto still uncertain, Schenn is seen as a versatile piece who can slide into the second or third-line center role, depending on how the rest of the roster shapes up. His two-way play, physicality, and playoff pedigree could be exactly what the Leafs need to take the next step.
The Price of Star Power
The cost of acquiring a player of Schenn’s caliber was always expected to be high—and Toronto has paid accordingly. Heading to St. Louis is the Leafs’ 2026 first-round draft pick and Hunter Danford, a highly regarded young blueliner who has been drawing rave reviews in the OHL.
Danford, 19, was selected by Toronto in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Known for his steady presence on the blue line, Danford is a classic stay-at-home defenseman with size, smarts, and an old-school edge. The Blues reportedly see him as a future top-four D-man who could anchor their back end for years to come.
Also included in the deal is depth winger Kyle Clifford, who has been a fringe player on the Leafs’ roster but adds value in terms of contract flexibility for the Blues and could provide leadership for their AHL affiliate or in a limited bottom-six role.
Leafs Going All-In?
The trade signals that Toronto’s front office, led by GM Brad Treliving, is fully committed to building a win-now roster around Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner—assuming the latter isn’t moved in a separate deal, as rumors continue to swirl.
With Schenn on board, the Leafs are poised to add grit, experience, and reliable offensive production to a core that has at times lacked killer instinct in the postseason.
As the hockey world awaits official confirmation, one thing is clear: the Maple Leafs aren’t standing pat. They’re making bold moves—swinging for the fences in a deal that could be a defining moment for the franchise.
