A closer look at the Leafs' actual cap situation if Muzzin comes back
Jake Muzzin was seen back on the ice yesterday morning as he continues to recover from his second concussion this season, although there is still no timetable for his return. It does, however, seem as though he will be back before the end of the season, meaning the Leafs do not have much cap space to add pieces at the deadline.
As of yesterday, the Leafs used all of their accrued cap space and given that Clifford will now be required to pass through waivers to be sent down, one of Sandin or Liljegren will need to be sent down to activate Muzzin from LTIR.
The Leafs could send Clifford and his $1M salary down to the Marlies, but given that the Leafs just signed him to an extension and the possibility of losing him on waivers, it seems unlikely that would be the move they make.
One possibility is for the Leafs to send Sandin and Liljegren down when they activate Muzzin and it would give the Leafs around $1.1M in cap space. With how well both have been playing, it would surprising to see both, or either of them sent down and it could mean that Dubas has a move ready to be made involving a roster player or two (Dermott appears to be a likely candidate to be moved).
Another possible move, now that the Leafs have an entirely healthy forward group is to send Robertson, who is waiver exempt, down to the Marlies, but with how well he is playing with Tavares and Nylander that appears to be unlikely as well.
Clifford had cleared waivers earlier this season, but must clear again in order to be sent down as it has been longer than 30 days/10 games.
| POLL | ||
10 MARS | 158 ANSWERS A closer look at the Leafs' actual cap situation if Muzzin comes back Will Muzzin come back before the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 35.4 % |
| No | 60 | 38 % |
| Not sure | 42 | 26.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
