Insider reveals Leafs expected to sign forward ahead of season opener, assign top prospect to Marlies
With training camp quickly coming to an end, the Leafs have just two more pre-season games remaining and the roster is in its final stages of completion. The issue is that the Leafs have to determine how to get cap compliant over the course of the next week. The obvious and most likely scenario is that the Leafs carry just 20 players - 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies.
The Leafs are, unfortunately, $2.9M over the cap, which means Brandon Pridham and Brad Treliving will have to play cap gymnastics before submitting their final roster ahead of the season opener.
Today on TSN1050's First Up, Chris Johnston revealed a surprising take on what is likely to occur between now and next Wednesday. Johnston is reporting that he would be surprised if the Leafs don't sign PTO, Noah Gregor, to a contract prior to Wednesday. That would add to their current cap overage and force the Leafs to send down someone like Nicholas Robertson, who is waiver exempt, said Johnston.
It's an unfortunate circumstance for Robertson, who has looked very good in camp thus far, but cap constraints will likely see him begin the year with the Marlies where he can hopefully dominate and stay healthy. Johnston also mentioned that Robertson would only be sent down if Calle Jarnkrok is healthy enough to play. Jarnkrok has been dealing with a neck issue for the last week, but is back skating and practicing with the team. It would appear as though he will be in the Leafs' opening night lineup, though Robertson will likely be the first man up in the event of an injury.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 3 | 1514 ANSWERS Insider reveals Leafs expected to sign forward ahead of season opener, assign top prospect to Marlies Do you think the Leafs will actually send Nick Robertson back to the AHL to begin the season? | ||
| Yes | 1018 | 67.2 % |
| No | 151 | 10 % |
| It's where he belongs for now | 179 | 11.8 % |
| If they do, it's a mistake | 166 | 11 % |
| List of polls | ||
