Top Leafs Prospect May be Used as Sweetener in a Matt Murray Salary Dump

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James Connelly
July 6, 2023 (10:23)

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The Leafs are looking to trade Matt Murray but may need to include a top prospect to get him off their books.

The Problem

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in quite the predicament. Matt Murray is currently holding the franchise back with his expensive cap hit and they need to get rid of him. Originally, it was thought that Murray and a pick would be enough to get him out of Toronto but that is not the case.

NHL insider David Pagnotta announced today that the Leafs may need to part with a premium asset to avoid buying Murray out.

The Price

Nick Robertson, brother of Jason, is a top end prospect for the Leafs. He has yet to break out at the NHL level but he posses some elite tools that could eventually prove him as a valuable asset.

In his first year after being drafted, he scored 55 goals in 46 goals proving his elite upside as a goal scorer. However, after that year, injuries have plagued Robertson and have prevented him from getting the chance he deserves at the NHL level. He has yet to play more than 40 games in a season at any level since his 55 goal campaign.

Due to his inability to stay healthy and the Leafs desire to move on from Murray, Robertson may be packaged with Murray to go somewhere willing to take on Murray's contract.

It is an unfortunate situation for all parties involved but the Leafs must do their homework and make sure that they are not giving up on Robertson too early.