The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting into a pivotal stretch as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. Within the subsequent few days, count on vital motion throughout the group. Key signings have already been made, whereas some gamers have been positioned on waivers and the group is hoping they’ll clear and stay within the system.
Though the lineup is beginning to take form, there are nonetheless choices to be made. The group must change into wage cap compliant, and with a number of doable strikes on the horizon, the ultimate roster ought to solidify quickly. Listed here are some key areas to look at as issues unfold.
Merchandise One: Philippe Myers and Cap Maneuvering
On Sunday, the Maple Leafs positioned Matt Murray and Marshall Rifai on waivers however surprisingly didn’t do the identical with Philippe Myers. This leaves the group with 10 defensemen on their roster, sparking hypothesis {that a} commerce could be within the works. Regardless that Jani Hakanpaa is practising with the group, it’s doable he might nonetheless be positioned on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to liberate cap house, which might permit the group to maintain Myers with the massive membership.
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Nonetheless, in the event that they imagine these gamers have earned a spot within the lineup, they need to add them to the roster now that the group has signed Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz. The juggling act continues.
Merchandise Two: May Timothy Liljegren Be on the Block?
There’s additionally hypothesis surrounding defenseman Timothy Liljegren. He’s had an underwhelming camp and has struggled to remain within the lineup throughout essential video games. At 25, with greater than 200 NHL video games below his belt, Liljegren has room to develop, however the studying curve is beginning to flatten. Together with his new $3 million cap hit, his contract could be extra invaluable to the Maple Leafs as cap house slightly than his play on the ice.
There’s additionally the chance that Liljegren’s new two-year deal may need led to complacency, as he might have believed his spot was safe heading into camp. It’s value contemplating if this lack of urgency impacted his efficiency.
Merchandise Three: The Maple Leafs Logjam on the Ahead Place
The Maple Leafs presently have 15 forwards listed on their roster, together with Pacioretty and Lorentz, and must trim their lineup to 23 gamers by the season opener. With the cap set at $88 million, one thing has to offer. Connor Dewar will seemingly be positioned on LTIR, liberating up $1.18 million, however that also leaves them with 14 forwards.
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A commerce or roster transfer appears imminent now that Pacioretty and Lorentz have been signed. May Ryan Reaves, who cleared waivers a number of occasions final season, be on his method out? In that case, his $1.15 million cap hit could be freed up.
Moreover, Mark Masters says Calle Jarnkrok was once more absent from observe after returning for final Thursday’s sport in Detroit. May he be re-injured and heading to LTIR? Or might the group be engaged on a deal for him?
Merchandise 4: Matt Murray’s Waiver State of affairs
There’s been discuss Matt Murray’s contract, which features a $100,000 signing bonus—reportedly a deterrent for different groups contemplating a waiver declare. Nonetheless, it appears unlikely that such a small sum would cease a group needing a goalie, particularly with Murray’s low $875,000 wage. Extra seemingly, the deterrent is that any group claiming him must preserve him on their NHL roster.
Whereas the Maple Leafs’ best-case state of affairs could be for Murray to clear waivers, there’s all the time an opportunity a group with goaltending points might roll the cube on a two-time Stanley Cup winner. If Murray is claimed, the Maple Leafs have a backup plan with Dennis Hildeby, who had a formidable coaching camp and appears prepared for NHL minutes.
Merchandise 5: One Teaching Distinction — Extra Emotion Behind the Bench
There’s been a noticeable shift within the Maple Leafs’ teaching philosophy this season. Underneath former head coach Sheldon Keefe, the main focus was on talent, puck possession, and execution. Feelings had been, by and huge, stored in verify. New head coach Craig Berube and his employees have introduced a unique vitality, encouraging the group to play a extra bodily north-south sport and channel their feelings into their play.
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It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how this extra emotional method behind the bench impacts the group because the season progresses. May it’s the unmeasurable issue that lastly pushes the Leafs to the following degree?
Closing Wage Cap Issues: What’s Probably Subsequent?
At time of writing, with 24 gamers on the roster and a complete cap hit of $90,718,437, the Maple Leafs are presently $2.7 million over the restrict. Dewar’s anticipated LTIR placement would carry that all the way down to $1.5 million over the cap, and inserting Hakanpaa on LTIR might get them inside putting distance. Pacioretty and Lorentz have already been signed, however additional strikes are needed to satisfy cap necessities.
One thing nonetheless has to occur—whether or not it’s a commerce or a roster lower. Keep tuned for the following improvement.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
