Matt Murray healthy during the playoffs, but expected to start the season on LTIR for the Leafs; cap circumvention?

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Mike Armenti
July 26, 2023 (12:21)

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The Maple Leafs' second buyout window has now opened and with the team expected to buy out the final year of Matt Murray's deal, it was a shock to hear that not only would Murray NOT be bought out by the team; he would begin the season on LTIR instead.

The Leafs' official PR account revealed the news on social media shortly after 12pm ET on Wednesday.

Murray was healthy and ready to play when the Leafs played Florida in the 2nd round of the playoffs in May, which is why many were surprised that LTIR is the route that the Leafs were able to take here. Murray has a history of concussions, which was a legitimate concern, especially after suffering one in April of this year against Detroit. He also suffered adductor and ankle injuries last season.

There's a difference between healthy enough to play and actually being healthy. Perhaps Murray has some injuries piling up that will require surgeries and lengthy recovery times. We can't be sure.

Murray has one year left on his contract with the Leafs, which carries a $4.687M cap hit. Prior to today's news, the Leafs remained more than $12M over the cap. Now, with Murray's contract headed to LTIR, along with Jake Muzzin's contract ($5.625M) both expected to be moved to LTIR, that frees up approximately $10.31M, bringing their overage down to just a little over $2M. You have to wonder what this means for a player like Calle Jarnkrok, who has a $2.1M cap hit for 3 more seasons.