The 24-year-old spent last season with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL where he posted a 5-4-0 record in 13 games with a 2.90 GAA and .907 save percentage. With the Leafs at the maximum number of contracts (50), and having 5 goalies to split between the Marlies and the ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers, it would seem that the Leafs are trying to help Ferguson find a job more than keeping him in the organization. Of course, that could change if he continues to play well.
Helping players find homes where they will get playing time is something that Dubas and the Leafs have become well known and respected for over his tenure as GM. Some may not agree with it, but it's likely that players see how accommodating the Leafs are and, at times, it ends up swaying a player to come to Toronto over another city because they know the Leafs will help them if things don't work out.