As the news on Tuesday runs rampant, we have a Toronto Maple Leafs trade to look at. Toronto has traded Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson, and a 2026 third-round NHL Entry Draft pick. Let us look at some of the details.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Apr 10, 2025. Close-up of a Toronto Maple Leafs logo, a blue maple leaf with TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS embroidered in white
TRADE: We’ve acquired defenceman Emil Andrae, goaltender Samuel Ersson and a third-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for goaltender Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 16, 2026
Maple Leafs Trade Woll and Benoit in Goalie and Defender Swap
New Leafs general manager John Chayka made his first major move on Tuesday, performing a goalie and defenceman swap. Woll was drafted by the Leafs in 2016, debuting in the NHL in the 2021-22 season. This past season, he had a 15-16-7 record with a 3.31 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage in 39 starts. Benoit had six points in 73 games this season as well.
In return, the Leafs acquired Samuel Ersson, who is coming off the toughest season of his career. Ersson posted a 14-11-5 record with a 3.12 goals-against average and an .870 save percentage, and saw Daniel Vladar take over as the starting goalie. On the flip side, Emil Andrae, a 24-year-old defenceman, had career-highs this season with two goals, 11 assists, for 13 points in 61 games.
How Do the New Players Fit for Both Teams?
For Toronto’s side, Ersson looks like a poor fit for them. Anthony Stolarz will be the definite starter next season, but who will be the backup? The young Swedish goaltender, Dennis Hildeby, looks ready for NHL action, as he played in 20 games last season for Toronto. Ersson is a restricted free agent this offseason, so we will see if his new contract will pay more or less than Woll’s $3.66 million cap hit. Shedding Simon Benoit’s $1.35 million salary cap hit as well means that the Leafs will save about $5 million with this trade. Emil Andrae will also be a restricted free agent this offseason.
For the Flyers, Woll will likely be Dan Vladar’s backup or play in a 1A-1B goalie tandem. No doubt, the Flyers will improve their goaltending depth with this trade, so this could turn out to be a decent trade for them, especially given that Woll is just 27 years old. With Vladar reportedly on the verge of signing a hefty extension, their tandem could be set for years now. Benoit’s physical play could also be a good fit in head coach Rick Tocchet’s system and provide some good depth on the blue line.
Leafs Moving On From a Younger Goalie, Sticking With Stolarz
The move to keep Stolarz as the starter is a peculiar one, given his injury history and age. Being five years older than Woll at age 32, it comes at a bit of risk. Dennis Hildeby will require waivers next season for the Leafs, meaning that the young Swedish goaltender could see some more action in the NHL next season. How Ersson fits into this equation is difficult to see. Could Chayka have another move up his sleeve with him? Or was Ersson just someone the Flyers wanted to move on from? Could they do a three-goalie rotation, something similar to what the Vancouver Canucks could do next season?
This does not help the Leafs’ goaltending situation much at all, so this trade, for now, seems like a loss for them, outside of getting some cap relief. A bit surprising that they decided to trade Woll instead of Stolarz.
With two restricted free agents on the books now, how will Chayka navigate the next couple of weeks? With the first overall pick at the NHL Draft, as well as many improvements to be made, including a coaching hire, there is a lot to be done in Toronto.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
