Insider Hints Maple Leafs Could Make Shocking Move for Stars Captain Jamie Benn

The Maple Leafs are going to be without Mitch Marner next season, and while it's a big loss for the team, they have a chance to bring in a free agent who would no doubt change their DNA.

With Chris Johnston reporting the Maple Leafs are targeting Jamie Benn this upcoming free agency, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea to bring in not only a former captain with playoff experience (a la Max Pacioretty) but add some much needed offense too.

If changing your DNA means adding different types of players than employed previously, who better than a former captain, Olympic champion, and veteran of nearly 1,200 games?

Benn, 35, is definitely not as elite as he once was, but has still contributed nearly 20 goals and over 51 points over his last six seasons.

But what he might not bring offensive numbers at a high rate, he certainly brings the boom. Averaging 124 hits per season for his career, Benn has no issues using his brute force to create chances for his team.

There's also fairly consistent playoff production too, with 80 points in 120 games and while he's never won a Stanley Cup, Benn has won an Olympic Gold with Team Canada in 2014 where he had two goals in six games.

It's a complete turnaround from the type of players they would have added even as early as 2023-24, and with a focus on serious change, Benn is a great choice.

It would be hard to say he could sit atop the first line with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews; though that's less about his production concerns and more the fact Knies has the power forward spot locked down.

However, putting him on a line with William Nylander and a potentially re-signed John Tavares could give the Maple Leafs an extremely potent top-six:

Knies - Matthews - Domi

Benn - Tavares - Nylander

They've experimented with Max Pacioretty and Bobby McMann, however it wasn't a great fit; and giving Benn (a durable, reliable player) the opportunity seems more in line with Berube's game plan and gives them a true power forward.

Benn also won't be making anything near the $9.5M he had per year in his old contract, so even if the team wanted to use him as essentially a rental for the next two years, it's not a big investment.

Benn could sign for a two-year deal at $14M, which might seem like an overpayment, but you're paying for that leadership and also prying away a player who has only known Dallas for 16 years.

It's going to take a bit to convince him, and Dallas is always competitive regardless. But they need to save some money, and Toronto might reap the benefits of their long-time captain come July 1.