The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a pivotal stretch as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. In the next few days, expect significant movement within the organization. Key signings have already been made, while some players have been placed on waivers and the organization is hoping they’ll clear and remain in the system.
Although the lineup is starting to take shape, there are still decisions to be made. The team needs to become salary cap compliant, and with a few possible moves on the horizon, the final roster should solidify soon. Here are some key areas to watch as things unfold.
Item One: Philippe Myers and Cap Maneuvering
On Sunday, the Maple Leafs placed Matt Murray and Marshall Rifai on waivers but surprisingly didn’t do the same with Philippe Myers. This leaves the team with 10 defensemen on their roster, sparking speculation that a trade might be in the works. Even though Jani Hakanpaa is practicing with the team, it’s possible he could still be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to free up cap space, which would allow the team to keep Myers with the big club.
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However, if they believe those players have earned a spot in the lineup, they must add them to the roster now that the team has signed Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz. The juggling act continues.
Item Two: Could Timothy Liljegren Be on the Block?
There’s also speculation surrounding defenseman Timothy Liljegren. He’s had an underwhelming camp and has struggled to stay in the lineup during critical games. At 25, with more than 200 NHL games under his belt, Liljegren has room to grow, but the learning curve is starting to flatten. With his new $3 million cap hit, his contract might be more valuable to the Maple Leafs as cap space rather than his play on the ice.
There’s also the possibility that Liljegren’s new two-year deal might have led to complacency, as he may have believed his spot was secure heading into camp. It’s worth considering if this lack of urgency impacted his performance.
Item Three: The Maple Leafs Logjam at the Forward Position
The Maple Leafs currently have 15 forwards listed on their roster, including Pacioretty and Lorentz, and need to trim their lineup to 23 players by the season opener. With the cap set at $88 million, something has to give….
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