The Toronto Maple Leafs had a great season as they surprised many by making the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Not only that, but they took the Boston Bruins to seven games in the first round. So with that, it’s time to move on and focus on the off-season as the Leafs will have the opportunity to gain more cap space by using one or both of their compliance buyouts. The two buyouts don’t count towards the team’s cap, so here are three players I think the Maple Leafs should consider buying out this summer.

1) Mike Komisarek 

The first player on my list to be bought out this summer is Mike Komisarek. By the start of the 2013-14 season, I’m confident Komisarek will not be with the team. He currently carries a $4.5 million dollar contract and in fact he isn’t even playing with the Leafs as he’s been down with the Toronto Marlies (AHL) for much of the 2013 season. Many fans have waited for the team to buyout Komisarek’s contract for a few years now, and with the amnesty in effect, I’m sure fans will see their wish come true this summer.

2) Mikhail Grabovski

The next player to look at is Mikhail Grabovski. The 29-year-old signed a five-year extension worth, $27.5 million dollars in March, 2012 and since the extension, he hasn’t been worth the $5.5 a season. Grabovski was put on the third line behind Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri during the regular season only registering 16 points in 48 games played. Grabovski is the highest paid forward on the Leafs, and let’s be honest – he really shouldn’t be. After next season, the Leafs will look to resign Phil Kessel, and with Grabovski still around, signing the speedy American  could be harder to do as he’ll look for $7 million dollars per year.

3) John-Michael Liles

That brings us to John-Michael Liles. The 32-year-old signed a four-year, $15.5 million dollar contract extension in January, 2012 and he really hasn’t been worth the money. During the regular season, Liles would often sit in the press box as a healthy scratch as Korbinian Holzer, Mark Fraser or Mike Kostka played. During the playoffs vs. Boston, Liles played in only four of the seven games as Kostka and Fraser both became injured.

Final Say

Maple Leafs, General Manager, Dave Nonis will have to decide which two players he’ll buyout this summer, but one thing is certain - it shouldn’t be that difficult to decide.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter here: @Dale_Lamontagne

Apr 3, 2012; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek (8) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Leafs 6-5 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed Mike Komisarek on waivers Wednesday. The 31-year-old defenseman has played in just four games this season for Toronto with no points and two penalty minutes.

If no one claims him he will report to the Toronto Marlies. However, TSN reported that Komisarek has indeed waived his no movement clause so he will have to join any team that picks him up.

Komisarek just hasn’t worked out with the Leafs ever since they signed him to a big free agent contract back in 2009. Injuries and inconsistent play have limited the rugged blueliner’s ice-time and seen him be a frequent healthy scratch. Komisarek was an All-Star during his final season in Montreal, but he never came close to matching that level of play here.

Komisarek has another year remaining on his deal after this one, and his contract carries an average annual value of $4.5 million. Any team claiming him will need to have cap space and would be taking a substantial risk.