The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a number of moves in this offseason, and currently, according to PuckPedia, they have just over $1M in cap space. Typically, contending teams use as much cap space as possible, all the way to the ceiling. Toronto is exactly that and falls under the ‘contender’ title. Here are a few different ways for the Maple Leafs to spend the rest of their cap.
How Re-Signing Robertson Would Affect the Toronto Maple Leafs Cap Space
Over the last few years, Nicholas Robertson has been a key piece to the Maple Leafs’ bottom-six scoring. While it’s been tough to find a consistent spot in the lineup, Robertson has shown signs of tremendous potential. He has a great shot, offensive ability, and work ethic. It seems that every time he puts on the Leafs’ sweater, he has something to prove.
Not so long ago, Robertson requested a trade out of Toronto, and it’s understandable why he feels that way. While he is only 22 years old, it’s not ideal to be bouncing up and down the minors. Players at his age need to be given a consistent opportunity, especially for a player who proved he can keep up in the NHL. However, general manager Brad Treliving didn’t seem too keen on the idea of shipping the forward. Treliving said that there is a big opportunity for Robertson in Toronto.
The Leafs have a very weak left side in their forward group after losing Tyler Bertuzzi to free agency. Including Robertson, the Maple Leafs will see Bobby McMann and Matthew Knies challenge for a top-six, left-winger role. Therefore, it seems that Robertson is in Toronto’s plans for the future, which could lead to a potential re-signing. However, since there isn’t much room to sign him with the remaining cap space, it’ll have to be a creative deal. Chances are it would be a one-year deal in a ‘prove it’ situation, where then he could cash in on a better deal if he earns it.
Save the Cap Wiggle Room for Mitch Marner
The biggest talk of the entire offseason around the Maple Leafs was all about Mitch Marner. Everyone knows that Marner‘s deal is up when the next season is over. So far, it seems that Treliving will have Marner play out the final year of his contract after reviewing all the options for trading him this summer. While most of Leafs Nation will grumble over the fact that the playmaker might stick around next season, it may turn out to be a good decision.
Usually in a ‘contract year,’ forwards have an explosion in offensive statistics. Furthermore, his teammate, William Nylander and the Florida Panthers Sam Reinhart are great examples of that from last season. A similar situation could happen to Marner and maybe he can change everyone’s mind. If this hypothetical situation becomes a reality, the Leafs are going to have to find some money to sign the right winger. The extra $1.2M in cap space could definitely help with that investment.
Alex Nylander NHL Contract
Recently, Toronto signed Alex Nylander to an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies. Brother of William, Alex had a bit of a turnaround to his career over the last season or so. After three straight seasons in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, mainly in the minors, Nylander was put on waivers. The Columbus Blue Jackets picked him up from waivers and he finished the season with them. In 23 games he scored 11 goals and 15 points. It’s a small sample but in an 82-game season, that pace would earn him nearly 40 goals and over 50 points. More than good enough to play on an NHL roster.
Even though he’ll be starting next season with the Marlies, there’s a good chance he will perform his way out to the big leagues. In his career, he played 330 games in the AHL, he scored 210 points along the way. The American league is known for low scoring, so given the circumstances, Nylander has been pretty successful. Therefore, if Nylander continues to play at a higher level than the league he’s in, expect Treliving to find a way to bring him up to the Leafs.
Keep the Cap Space for the Toronto Maple Leafs to Make a Trade During the Season
As contenders do, they look to buy towards the trade deadline. Toronto could fall under that category with the little wiggle room that they have. It’s just enough to acquire a depth forward or defenceman, something that is required for a deep playoff run. Over the next two drafts, Toronto has seven picks that could be moved if they desire. There were also rumours earlier in the offseason about pieces that could be moved, David Kampf, and Timothy Liljegren were names that were thrown out there.
There are endless possibilities as to what Treliving and the Leafs could do with the remaining cap space.
Main photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
