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NHL Expert Claims Brayden Schenn Trade Could Cost Maple Leafs Their Top Prospect

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 6:15 AM ET

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs may need to part with one of their top prospects to secure an impact player.

NHL expert Mike Johnson identified center Fraser Minten as a likely trade piece if Toronto makes a move for St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn.

Johnson discussed the possibility on TSN's "First Up," noting that long-term contracts, like Schenn’s, are now seen as a positive due to cost control.

"Schenn has a couple of years left on his deal, so acquiring him wouldn’t just be a short-term move," Johnson said. "Losing a young player like Fraser Minten would be tough, though. Prospects and entry-level contracts are crucial, especially for top teams that rely on young guys to support their core.

"But I think you have to consider it."

Schenn, 32, has 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 59 games this season and carries a $6.5 million cap hit through 2027–28. He joined the Blues via trade in 2017 and helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2019 under current Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

Toronto's lack of trade assets, including not having their first-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft, means that parting with Minten may be necessary to land a significant player.

Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne believes the Leafs should make a bigger move rather than just adding depth pieces, and for that, they'd necessarily need to part ways with the youngster.

"They need to separate themselves with a bigger move," Bourne wrote. "They don’t have a ton of assets, but to acquire a real player, they'll have to give someone up.

"Minten is a guy who would get another team excited. He can play in the NHL today and is, at worst, a very high IQ two-way third-line center."

Minten, 20, has appeared in 15 NHL games this season, recording two goals and two assists.

It has not been reported that Schenn has requested a trade out of St. Louis, and in fact, he addressed the trade speculation, speaking to Lou Korac of The Hockey News and admitting his preference to stay with the Blues, although acknowledging the business side of the NHL.

“I love St. Louis, I love being here. I’ve always said it’s the best thing for me," Schenn said. "I obviously know there’s a business side of it. At the end of the day, there’s no sense in me talking about speculation or what could happen because at the end of the day, I’m a St. Louis Blue, and I love it here.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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