With Kirill Marchenko being named as a target for the Maple Leafs, it looks more and more like prospect Ben Danford is going to need to part of the equation.
Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs were one of several teams interested in Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko. The forward is without a long-term deal, and if Columbus is unwilling to sign him, then a trade is more likely to happen than not.
If the Maple Leafs wanted to bring him aboard, he would certainly add a new level of offence but it's going to cost them a lot. Nick Kypreos believes that the team would entertain trading Matthew Knies, but Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has been adamant that he won't deal away the young power forward.
Ben Danford is now Toronto's top trade candidate
However there's another player who is a big target that the Blue Jackets could go after, and it's not Gavin McKenna nor is it Easton Cowan, but instead it's defensive prospect Ben Danford.
If the Maple Leafs want to make a splash this season without mortgaging their top pieces, then the defender is a top candidate.
Danford, 20, is a high-IQ shutdown defenceman who has an intense edge to his game that ensures he's not only in the right spot, but also gives him the chance to be physical. He loves to throw hits, is not afraid to sacrifice his body, and draws in defenders before setting the offence loose.
For all intents and purposes, the Blue Jackets don't really have a ton of young defenders on their current roster or in their system. Danford would be one of their top defensive prospects right away, and with him not too far off from the NHL - he could find an opening a little easier in Columbus.
It would be unfortunate to see Danford go given that he was projected to be the replacement for Chris Tanev, but if the Maple Leafs are going to push hard for a Cup win, it may be necessary.
Is Kirill Marchenko worth trading Ben Danford?
If Toronto is desperate enough to win within the next two years, then it may be the right call to trade Danford given that Marchenko is going to give you 20+ goals, above average defence, and he's firmly in his prime.
But he's also going to cost a lot to extend as he'll likely exceed double-digit millions per season. If that's the case then the Maple Leafs are going to need to clear space for him next year - something much harder to do when everyone is already signed.
While the cap is going to rise exponentially, the team has to decide whether extending Marchenko isn't going to end up messing up their plans to re-sign Auston Matthews or sign Connor McDavid in two years. He'd be a great piece now, but will be 28 and starting to get older as Toronto tries to build around Gavin McKenna, someone who will also need a mega-deal in due time.
If Toronto was in a better position financially and weren't handcuffed to the deals they signed this year, they'd have a bit more flexibility. Unfortunately they don't have the space to bring him in now, or pay for him in the future.
On paper, you trade Danford for Marchenko in a heartbeat. In reality, it's a much harder ask from John Chayka to pull it off.
Would you trade Ben Danford for Kirill Marchenko?
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