Leafs have a chance to add size and strength to their top 6 with Matt Murray trade.
As the summer passes, fans, insiders and analysts have identified several issues for the Maple Leafs heading into the 2023-24 season. Their forward depth needs to be rebuilt with the likely exits of Alex Kerfoot, Michael Bunting, Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari. That's priority one, if you exclude the Matthews and Nylander extensions.
In order to do this effectively, the team will need to clear some additional cap space. Matt Murray is the obvious target to move. He is still on the team's payroll for $4.6875M through next season. With the emergence of Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll as the team's two best goalies, Murray has not only become expendable, he's a salary cap nightmare if he doesn't spend the entire season on LTIR. Murray can be bought out for a relatively low price, but there may be a better option on the trade market.
At this point, Murray's trade value is less than zero. The Leafs received a 4th round pick to take him on with 25% retention just a year ago, so that doesn't come as a surprise. Still, there may be a way to fill a roster hole while moving on from Murray's contract.
The Washington Capitals have reportedly let teams around the league know that winger Anthony Mantha is available. If a trade can't be found, he's a likely buyout candidate. Buying out the final year of Mantha's 5.7M AAV deal would cost the Capitals $1.366M next season and $2.166M in 2024-25. They already have a tight cap situation as it is, so this isn't an enticing option for them. If the Leafs and Capitals were to agree to a Murray for Mantha swap, it could benefit both teams.
Mantha is a 28-year-old, 6'5 234lb left handed winger. He's had injury issues over the past few seasons, but is a prime bounce back candidate with a history of being an effective player when he plays. As for Matt Murray, he is an obvious injury risk, but his buyout would cost the Caps half of what Mantha's buyout would for 2023-24 and slightly less in 24-25. Even if the Caps did wind up buying Murray out, it's still cheaper than buying out Mantha. When healthy, Murray is also a better option in net than current Caps backup Charlie Lindgren.
Even if the trade isn't simply one-for-one, say the Leafs throw in a mid to late draft pick or a half decent prospect like Hirvonen. It's a deal worth exploring for the Leafs. At minimum, they add a big, strong winger to their forward group while moving on from Murray. At best, Mantha finds chemistry with Matthews or Tavares and becomes a legitimate top 6 threat with them. At worst, he's a serviceable NHLer for one more season before he becomes a UFA.
I don't know about you, but I see this one as a win/win for both teams.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 19 | 408 ANSWERS Leafs have a chance to add size and strength to their top 6 with Matt Murray trade. Murray for Mantha, who says no? | ||
| Leafs | 60 | 14.7 % |
| Caps | 93 | 22.8 % |
| Done deal | 184 | 45.1 % |
| Leafs need to add a sweetener | 71 | 17.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
