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Two Possible Off-Season Trades For the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Jeremy Ridgewell

Jun 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving is introduced as club president Brendan Shanahan looks on at a press conference at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving is introduced as club president Brendan Shanahan looks on at a press conference at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
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Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Matt Murray

Last July, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Matt Murray, a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for future considerations. Ottawa also retained 25% of Murray’s salary as part of the trade.

Although many at the time were upset that Ottawa only retained 25% instead of 50%, Ottawa still paid Toronto to take Murray off their hands. Unfortunately, Murray’s injury history did not improve in Toronto.

When he did play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he wasn’t awful, but he did lack consistency. Murray registered a 14-8-2 record in 26 for the Maple Leafs. He finished the season with a 3.01 GAA and a .903 SV%.  (Stats from hockey-reference.com)

Finding a way to trade Murray’s $4.6 million cap hit for next season is one option for Treliving to use this summer. To make a deal happen, Treliving might have to retain 25% of Murray’s contract. Doing so would still create $3.515 million in added cap space for Toronto.

With the way both Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll played this season, Murray is expendable. Clearing his cap space is the biggest part of any return Toronto gets for Murray.

Treliving will likely try to recoup a late round draft pick or future considerations for Murray. The Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and Arizona Coyotes are teams expected to be looking for a goaltender this off-season.

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