Toronto has continued to explore ways to strengthen its roster, and a recent trade proposal suggests the Maple Leafs could pursue the towering 6-foot-6 defenseman while moving promising young talent in the opposite direction. The hypothetical deal would involve top prospects Ben Danford and Easton Cowan, along with valuable draft picks, in exchange for Edvinsson.
Although no agreement has been announced, the proposal has sparked debate about whether Toronto should sacrifice part of its future to acquire a young defenseman who could become a cornerstone of its blue line.
Edvinsson has several qualities that make him an attractive target. His size, mobility and ability to contribute offensively give him the potential to become an important presence on the back end. At his age, he also offers the possibility of providing value for several seasons if he continues to develop.
For Toronto, acquiring a defenseman with that combination of physical attributes and skill could address an important roster need. The Maple Leafs have been looking for ways to improve their defensive options, and adding a player capable of handling significant minutes would give the coaching staff more flexibility.
The proposed trade, however, would come at a considerable cost.
Under the hypothetical framework reported by Heavy on October 8, Toronto would receive Edvinsson, while Detroit would acquire Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, a 2027 first-round pick belonging to the Colorado Avalanche and a 2028 second-round selection.
This proposal is not a confirmed offer from either organization. It is a suggested trade scenario that illustrates the potential price of acquiring a player of Edvinsson’s profile.
Cowan is an interesting part of the discussion because of his potential to become a productive NHL forward. Giving him up would mean sacrificing a young player who could contribute to Toronto’s offense in the years ahead.
Danford also represents an important part of the Maple Leafs’ future. The young defenseman has been developing his game and working toward an eventual NHL opportunity. Trading him could weaken Toronto’s defensive depth at the prospect level, even if the organization received an established young defenseman in return.
The draft picks would make the proposed package even more significant. First-round selections can become valuable building blocks, while second-round picks offer additional opportunities to find future NHL contributors.
For Detroit, the appeal would be receiving multiple assets rather than relying on a single player to address its long-term needs. Cowan could strengthen the forward group, Danford would add another defensive prospect, and the draft selections could help replenish the organization’s talent pipeline.
However, Detroit would have to decide whether moving Edvinsson is the right decision for its future.
The situation has attracted additional attention because reports have indicated that Edvinsson would prefer a change of scenery amid contract discussions. Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has publicly maintained that the defenseman remains a priority for the organization and that the team wants to get him signed.
That position is important. A reported preference for a trade does not automatically mean Detroit will move its defenseman, and the organization could still pursue a contract agreement.
During the 2025–26 season, Edvinsson recorded nine goals and 16 assists across 72 games, averaging 22 minutes and 21 seconds of ice time per contest. Those numbers demonstrate that he was already handling a substantial role on Detroit’s blue line.
Toronto would have to weigh that immediate value against the possibility of losing several promising assets. Acquiring Edvinsson could improve the defense, but surrendering Cowan, Danford and two draft picks would represent a significant commitment to winning in the short term.
The Maple Leafs would also need to consider whether the proposed package is necessary or whether a less expensive defensive option could address their needs.
For Detroit, accepting such an offer would depend on the organization’s evaluation of the players and picks involved, as well as its willingness to move on from a young defenseman with considerable potential.
At this stage, the discussion remains hypothetical. Neither team has confirmed that this package has been formally offered, and there is no verified agreement sending Edvinsson to Toronto.
Still, the proposal presents an interesting question for both fan bases. Toronto could acquire a young defenseman with the physical tools to strengthen its blue line, while Detroit could collect multiple assets to support its future.
