The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a major roster decision as they strive to stay under the salary cap. James Mirtle of The Athletic looked at the multiple options the Leafs could have to alleviate some of the pressure on the team and concluded that signs point to a forward being moved.

Currently juggling 28 players on their roster and still feeling the effects of previous cap mismanagement, Mirtle suggested that the return of Calle Jarnkrok creates the need to make a move. He writes: “At this point, an attacker will have to leave. » He then cites Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf and Nicolas Robertson as the most likely candidates.

Who could the Maple Leafs choose to move?

Mirtle explained the reasons for trading one of the three. With Holmberg, the forward made critical errors despite numerous opportunities from head coach Craig Berube. He only makes $800,000 and could potentially get off waivers, but it’s not guaranteed. Meanwhile, Robertson has already requested to be moved. He has one point in 11 games, and the return on investment could be the highest if he gets shipped out.

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Beyond a forward, the Leafs could also try to move a defenseman. They already traded Timothy Liljegren, but the player they received in return could follow him out. The acquisition of Matt Benning of the San Jose Sharks added another hit to the list and the Leafs don’t really intend to keep this contract on the books. Benning’s $1.25 million is already being purchased.

Is Kampf most likely to be bought?

Of the four players mentioned – three forwards and a defender – Mirtle suggested Kampf might be the most interesting of the three names. He assumes it would be salary cap dumping and the return wouldn’t be huge, but he also maintains it’s not a problem.

He writes:

By far the most compelling scenario here is Kämpf’s. Flipping Holmberg or Robertson for a pick opens up enough room for Järnkrok to return and puts the Leafs about $1 million under the cap, enough wiggle room that they could make another depth addition at some point. But if the Leafs can find a home for Kämpf, even if there’s not much in return, they’ll be significantly under the cap (to the tune of nearly $2.6 million) and still have depth decent beyond their top 12 forwards and best. six defenders.

source – “Are more trades coming as the Maple Leafs try to get under the salary cap? » – James Mirtle – The Athletic – 05/11/2024

Maple Leafs may want to accumulate salary cap space

It’s one thing to go below the salary cap. It’s another to start accumulating cap space when you’re well below that cap. The calculations are done every day, but Mirtle estimates the Maple Leafs could have well over $5 million available at the NHL trade deadline if they take up the option to move Kampf.

This would allow them to evaluate the season and then take action as a buyer when more players, possibly difference makers, become available. The Leafs don’t know yet if they’re destined for the playoffs, but they believe they’re good enough to get there and are confident they’ll be looking to add, not sell, when the deadline approaches. Every penny counts when the team starts talking to sellers.