Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Lupul eligible to be placed on LTIR, Borgman wins D spot

October 3, 2017, 12:18 PM ET [491 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
For the latest Leafs updates or on Twitter

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly indicated on Sportsnet's Hockey Central on Tuesday that Joffrey Lupul failed an independent second physical and that the Toronto Maple Leafs forward is eligible to be placed on Long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

The 33-year-old winger made intimations via Instagram that his failed Leafs team physical was not on the level, but quickly recanted and removed the comments. The NHL called for an independent evaluation of the veteran winger’s readiness, but confirmed that Lupul was unable physically to resume his NHL career.

Lupul is entering the last season of a five-year, $27.5 Million deal and if Toronto chooses to place him on LTIR, the Leafs can clear most of the $5.25 Million annual salary on their payroll. Even without Lupul, Toronto would have been able to be cap compliant by placed injured winger Nathan Horton on LTIR.

*******

The Maple Leafs have made their roster decisions to get down to 23 players in advance of the season opener in Winnipeg.

The club will carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders after sending defenseman Calle Rosen and 2017 top pick Timothy Liljegren down to the AHL on Tuesday. Andreas Borgman has won the job on the bottom pairing and skated with Connor Carrick at practice on Tuesday.



The 22-year-old blueliner (who won the SHL Rookie of the Year last season) eclipsed his countryman with a late push in training camp and by playing a more physical game than Rosen.

"My buddy is a fireman and he always tells me, 'If you drive a big vehicle, no matter how many airbags are in the little vehicle, the big vehicle wins every time.' When you’re 230 and you’re bumping into 190, the bigger guy wins." Babcock said at the Leafs practice facility. "That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything different than anyone else, it’s just the wear and tear of the league. When you run into him, people fall over. His edges are elite as well, so he can make that good breakout pass. Now, does he have a lot to learn? Absolutely. But we like a lot of things about him."

There was some doubt whether Liljegren (who played just two preseason games) would be heading back to Sweden to play for Rogle or head to the Leafs AHL affiliate, but Toronto management decided that they wanted to more closely monitor the 18-year-old's progress.

The club also announced that blueliner Roman Polak has been released from his professional tryout contract. The 31-year-old defenseman will remain and continue to practice with the club.

Forwards Colin Greening, Chris Mueller, Kerby Rychel and Ben Smith, defenseman Vincent LoVerde, and goaltender Garret Sparks have all cleared waivers and have been assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

*******

“The Convo” is back. CTV’s Norman James and myself discuss the Maple Leafs and what could happen in the upcoming season.



*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.*******
Join the Discussion: » 491 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Mike Augello
» Leafs Frustrated And Immature In Loss To Devils
» Practicing Load Management Down The Stretch; Leafs vs. Devils
» Woll Wonderful In Loss To Canes; Keefe Downplaying Samsonov Injury
» Podcast Sunday – Off The Post Radio
» Hyman Aiming For 50; Leafs vs. Oilers