Leafs more than $12M over the salary cap, looking to deal a significant contract

We are likely to see multiple moves from the Maple Leafs in the coming days, including a likely buyout for Matt Murray, who has one year left on his current deal, which carries a $4.687M cap hit and an $8M actual salary. With the actual salary being so high, if the Leafs aren't willing to part with a significant piece as a sweetener, a buyout may be the only option.

Beyond the potential Murray buyout, there are a number of other names that have been thrown around in potential trades, including that of T.J. Brodie, Calle Jarnkrok and now, even Jake Muzzin. On Monday, Leafs writer Mike Augello suggested that the Leafs could end up moving the final year of Muzzin's deal, which carries a $5.625M cap hit.

Dealing Muzzin may seem like a silly move, as his contract being placed on LTIR allows the Leafs to use his $5.625M in space. For those who may be unaware, however, when a team ices a roster that is below the salary cap, a percentage of the money they play under the cap is banked for use later on in the season. When a team is utilizing LTIR, they lose the ability to bank additional cap space.

Will the Leafs trade Muzzin this summer? That remains to be seen. But if they do, we could see them try to accrue as much cap space as possible to weaponize it at the trade deadline and bring in an impact player.