Maple Leafs’ cap picture just got clearer, and it reshapes their trade deadline plans

The Toronto Maple Leafs have put defenseman Chris Tanev and forward Dakota Joshua on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), and sent down defenseman Dakota Mermis to the American Hockey League.

Mermis, who cleared waivers yesterday, was assigned to the AHL Toronto Marlies by the Leafs, who also sent down defenseman Henry Thrun and recalled defenseman Marshall Rifai.

As PuckPedia notes, the move puts the Leafs under the salary cap and gives them potentially up to $7M available for the NHL trade deadline.

If things say put, Toronto could have at the least just over $2M freed up for the deadline, and could still move out some of their roster to bring in an asset through a trade.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been given the space to potentially use towards adding at the NHL trade deadline, but would have to retain their salary cap situation until then.

Tanev is unlikely to return this regular season as he awaits undergoing groin surgery and Dakota Joshua remains out with a lacerated kidney.

The moves give the Leafs some flexibility cap wise, but to net a big fish, they'd have to still move somebody out, but have just enough to workshop a potential depth move if Toronto goes in that direction.

With defense appearing to be the main focus for the Leafs, there is one notable factor still left uncertain. William Nylander, currently on IR, would free up $11.5M additionally,

It was noted by one fan that it would be enough to acquire defenseman Dougie Hamilton, but it would be an unlikely move given that Nylander is not expected to miss enough time to go on LTIR, and could be back as soon as before or after the Olympics break.

Depending on how things shake up between then and now, the Toronto Maple Leafs could find themselves with the financial means to become buyers at the trade deadline, but haven't yet been cleared to have the money set aside that nails a big fish.

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