Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Buy-Out Matt Martin?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have Matt Martin signed for two more years.

With speed and skill at an all time high in the NHL, what should the Toronto Maple Leafs do with Matt Martin?.

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Matt Martin to a 4 year contract in the Summer of 2016. The vast majority of people knew it was a mistake. Not only was the four year term absurd, but an AAV of $2,500,000 was head scratching to say the least.

Paying a player that kind of money, who has a career high of 10 goals and is known for what he does with his fists above all else was a disaster waiting to happen. You ‘re crazy if you thought Martin would play out those four years as a Toronto Maple Leaf. Players with his skill set are going extinct.

So what are the Leafs options?

Buyout

According to CapFriendly, Matt Martin has $1,500,000 in salary left on his contract with an additional $2,500,000 is signing bonuses. The buyout ratio on his contract would be 2/3 of the value, which results in a buyout cost of $1,000,000. Since there is two years remaining on his deal that $1,000,000 would be paid out over a 4 year period making the annual buyout cost $250,000.

This is an option that the Leafs front office should seriously consider. That price tag is a lot easier to stomach, and can free up some more money for Nylander, Mathews and Marner. Buyouts are a harsh reality of the NHL. They are never easy, but a necessary cost of doing business where every penny counts in the salary cap era.

Trade

Maybe I am just an optimist, but i think a trade involving Matt Martin isn’t as far fetched as others believe. the Leafs obviously wouldn’t get much back, but there are enough of the old school “hockey guys” around the league that could want what Martin brings.

The first GM Kyle Dubas should call is Lou Lamoriello. Lou gave Martin that ridiculous contract two seasons ago, and now a reunion could be in order. If any offer for Martin was to come the Leafs, regardless of what it is they need to take it. The Leafs would probably have to sweeten the offer, by including a draft pick or a low level prospect to get a team to bite, but considering you can buy him out for only a $250 K cap hit, it wouldn’t make much sense to pay a high cost to move him.

Waivers 

The Leafs could also decide to place Matt Martin on waivers in the hopes of another team claiming him. It seems highly unlikely that a team would given Martin’s salary, but who knows stranger things have happened. The most likely scenario would be Martin having to report to the Marlies.

Much like how the young players on the Leafs have gravitated towards Martin, that could also be the case if he was sent down to the Marlies. You need veteran leadership in the minors to show the young guys how to be pros.

The unknown is what kind of attitude Martin would have if this is the scenario that plays out. The last thing Leafs management would want is for him to go down the American Hockey League and have a poor attitude rub off on the young players. Placing Martin on waivers should be the last resort after all other avenues have been exhausted.

Conclusion

Matt Martin has done what Mike Babcock has asked of him every night . Protect the young players on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Next: Players the Leafs Could Draft at 25

With the Leafs outstanding depth on the wing the writing has been on the wall for Martin’s departure. It got to the point where fans started to resent Martin for playing over certain players. The time is now to find a way to cut ties with the fourth liner.