Five candidates who may be placed on waivers today for the purpose of a buyout; including one current Leaf and two former Leafs
As the NHL off-season is officially underway, things are starting to heat up in the hockey world as we have seen some minor trades, contract extension signings, executive firings and hires. The NHL's buyout window opened today, and as of 2:00pm ET, we could get our first look at those who may be bought out this summer. In terms of who might wind up on that list, here are 5 names, in no specific order, who could qualify for a buyout.
Matt Murray, Ottawa Senators
Matt Murray's career hasn't been the same since winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 2016 and 2017. Since then, he has been on a downward spiral. Murray was traded to the Ottawa Senators in October 2020. He went to a young Sens team, got a fresh start, and even signed a four-year $25 million contract worth $6.25 million per season. Unfortunately for the 28-year-old goaltender, he continues to struggle. This past season he was playing so poorly that Ottawa waived him and sent him down to the AHL. Murray has two years left on his contract. The best thing to happen to him is to be bought out and take a low-risk, high-reward contract to help him get back to the goalie he once was.
Nick Foligno, Boston Bruins
Nick Foligno left the Toronto Maple Leafs last off-season to sign with their Atlantic Division rival, the Boston Bruins. The Bruins took a big gamble on his contract as they signed him to a two-year deal worth $7.6 million, which is a lot to pay for a 34-year-old third-line forward. Foligno has one year left at $3.8 million. However, he could be bought because simply because he only has one year remaining and does not provide $3.8M worth of value at this advanced stage in his career. Of course, if the Bruins go the route of a rebuild, Foligno at 50% retained could be an enticing piece for another team's playoff run and net the Bruins an asset.
Zack Kassian, Edmonton Oilers
Kassian's name has been involved trade rumours of late, but if the Oilers can't find a dance partner, buying Kassian out would be an option the team might have to take. Kassian has two years left on his contract at $3.2 million. That's a lot to pay for a player who plays up and down in the lineup.
James Van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers
JVR seems to have lost a step after signing his contract with the Flyers in 2018. The 33-year-old signed a five-year deal worth $35 million. He played all 82 games this year, picking up 38 points. The Flyers are paying him a lot of money to have produced less in 82 games this year than he did in 56 last year.
Petr Mrazek, Toronto Maple Leafs
We knew this one was coming. Mrazek signed with the Leafs last off-season to a three-year deal at $11.4 million. Mrazek was expected to be a 1A/1B option with Jack Campbell, but he has struggled and was injured for most of the season. The Czech goaltender carried a 12-6-0 record with a 3.34 GAA and a .888 save percentage. Toronto needs to open up cap space to spend this off-season. Mrazek has two years left at $3.8M against the cap.
