Leafs more than $12M over the salary cap, looking to deal a significant contract
Following Ilya Samsonov's $3.55M arbitration award, the Leafs currently sit more than $12.3M over the salary cap - $6.75M over the cap with Jake Muzzin on LTIR. Now, it appears as though the Leafs could be looking to move the injured veteran defenseman.
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.
"Buying out Matt Murray is the likeliest option for the #Leafs at some point over the next 72 hours, but another possibility before the season is trading the LTIR contract of Jake Muzzin. Cap hit of $5.625 mil, real salary is $4 mil & $2 mil of that was signing bonus paid on 7/1." - Reporter Mike Augello on the Leafs potentially moving the final year of Muzzin's deal
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.
| POLL | ||
Will the Leafs trade Jake Muzzin's LTIR deal or keep him through next season? | ||
| They'll move Muzzin | 17 | 26.2 % |
| They'll keep Muzzin | 19 | 29.2 % |
| The Leafs are a joke | 29 | 44.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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