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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot hanging over them, some of which could be addressed in the next week after the arbitration hearing and settlement with RFA goalie Ilya Samsonov, some of which might not be resolved until we get closer to training camp.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman updated on the Leafs situation on NHL Network on Wednesday. Toronto hopes to get a deal done with Samsonov prior to Friday’s arbitration hearing, but the question is whether it will be a one-year deal or something more long-term. At that point, the Leafs have a 72-hour window in which they can use the buyout option.
Have a great wkd everyone! Our LTL Insider, Mike Augello, joined us for our first #PatioSeason episode and he has some 🔥takes on the #Leafs
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Friedman indicated that the Leafs have three options when it comes to Murray. Buyout, trade or LTIR. The buyout option is only available if the two-time Cup winner is healthy and last season he battled an ankle injury and concussion issues, but at the end of the season, he was cleared medically and was available to back up Joseph Woll in the playoffs after Samsonov was injured.
The LTIR scenario would require the Leafs to show proof that Murray cannot play at all next season to clear his salary of the cap. That along with Jake Muzzin’s $5.625 million cap hit will have the club over $10 million into LTIR.
It is possible that GM Brad Treliving could trade one of those contracts, but most teams are at the cap floor and a sweetener would be required in the case of Muzzin, but maybe less so than Murray since the blueliner has received his $2 million signing bonus and has a $2 million base salary.