Maple Leafs' insider tips: fixing their biggest summer mistake

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Dawson Mckenzie
January 20, 2024 (9:58)

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This NHL insider just dropped some major tips on how the Toronto Maple Leafs can fix the mistakes they made this summer, and it might not be what you think.

The NHL is a tricky business for sure, but it is even more difficult when you make signing mistakes in the offseason. The Leafs are definitely going through this, with Brad Treliving signing Ryan Reaves to a three-year deal this past summer with an AAV of $1.5 million.

Reaves hasn't provided much value to the Leafs this season, besides a few fights at the beginning of the year. With cap space becoming the most valuable commodity for the Leafs, every dollar counts. Now, Jonas Siegal is suggesting that the Leafs should place Reaves on waivers.

"The path to playing time feels even murkier now than before, what with the fourth line finding an identity with McMann in there alongside Gregor and Kämpf. The Rangers had similar issues with Reaves last season (they were filled in when he was out there) and eventually dealt him to Minnesota. Is there a market for him again with two more years left on his contract and his 37th birthday ahead later this week? Will he end up on waivers?"

Placing Reaves on Waivers isn't a terrible idea, as he is just sitting in the press box right now. However, it also doesn't guarantee that the $1.5 million comes off the books, as Reaves would be a risky pickup for any team willing to claim him.

It would also require Treliving to come to terms with the fact that it was a bad move on his part. He could also elect to move Reaves with a sweetener should he want to wipe the money off the books entirely. We will see what Treliving decides as the deadline approaches.

As seen on Maple Leafs Insider

Maple Leafs Daily - "Insider reveals how the Leafs can fix their worst mistake of the summer"