The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant offseason move, trading goaltender Joseph Woll and veteran defenseman Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers. In return, the Leafs receive goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft.
Why the Leafs Were Comfortable Trading Woll
The organization felt confident in its goaltending depth, thanks to the strong performances of Artur Akhtyamov and Dennis Hildeby. Akhtyamov has been outstanding for the Toronto Marlies during their Calder Cup playoff run, starting 18 consecutive games and playing a key role in the team's success. Hildeby also impressed during a 20-game stint with the Leafs in the 2025-26 season and will compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Leafs general manager John Chayka noted, "You want the young players to force your hand a bit, and certainly the way that they played Dennis at the NHL level, AA with what he’s doing with the Marlies right now, it definitely causes you to take notice and make plans."
Details of the Trade
Woll had two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3.67 million. Benoit had one year left at $1.35 million. By moving these contracts, the Leafs free up approximately $27 million in salary cap space. Ersson and Andrae are both restricted free agents this summer, with qualifying offers of $1.6 million and $874,125, respectively. Chayka did not confirm whether the Leafs will qualify Ersson, but he acknowledged the goaltender's upside.
Ersson, 26, has struggled in the NHL, posting a .884 save percentage over 143 career games and ranking last among goalies with at least 25 games last season (.870). However, the Leafs may look to trade him or risk losing him on waivers if he doesn't make the team out of camp.
Focus on Andrae
Chayka emphasized that Andrae was the primary target in the trade. The 24-year-old Swedish defenseman, a second-round pick in 2020, recorded two goals and 11 assists in 61 games with the Flyers this past season. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9 and 189 pounds, Andrae is a smart, competitive puck-mover who can help the Leafs break out more efficiently and join the rush.
"Our staff felt good about him on our roster. A smart competitive player, helps us break the puck out more efficiently, a good puck-mover that can help join the rush. We’re getting a good young D, and candidly we could use some more defence in that age group. We satisfied a need," Chayka said.
Looking Ahead
The trade is just the beginning for Chayka as he looks to reshape the Leafs' defense corps. The team needs to get younger and smarter on the blue line, and Andrae is a step in that direction. Whether a trade of Morgan Rielly occurs remains uncertain, but the Leafs are expected to make further moves to improve their back end.
