The Maple Leafs now have the most streamlined solution to Matt Murray’s hefty cap hit and their crowded crease picture, but getting there raises a few questions.
Wednesday’s LTIR designation, a one-sentence release from the club, came without any details of whether it was related to his head injury or earlier ankle and adductor muscle problems which also limited his playing time last year. A call to his agent, Robert Hooper, was not immediately returned.
The league reserves the right to have an independent doctor make a medical determination in LTIR cases at some point in the event they deem it appropriate or necessary.
Murray was a full practice participant at season’s end, but by then relegated to No. 3 behind Samsonov and rookie Joseph Woll.
While Murray would now have a long period to get fully healthy, the move led to many nudge-nudge, wink-wink social media references to him being sent to ‘Robidas Island.’ That term was coined in the autumn of 2015 when fit looking Leaf defenceman Stephane Robidas mysteriously went to LTIR on the eve of regular season, solving a cap/roster issue at the time. When he finally spoke a year later after retirement, Robidas insisted a wear-and-tear knee injury had become apparent and necessitated his departure.
At least one other player deletion, likely via trade, is expected when camp concludes in October to get them cap compliant. Buying out Murray wouldn’t have hurt the Leafs much this season, but would have carried a larger $2 million hit in ‘24-25.
General manager Brad Treliving might also seek a cheaper experienced netminder who would be fine with minor league time.
Murray, 29, is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh. He had high hopes of being the ace when Toronto traded with Ottawa for his services a year ago, but ran into injury issues which had also plagued his time with the Senators.
When at 100%, he performed well with a record of 14-8-2 and a .903 save percentage.
But Nylander in particular is said to be a difficult negotiation that has completely stalled. The 40-goal right winger seeks a reported $10 million in AAV on a long-term deal, the Leafs offering at least $1 million less.
On Wednesday, centre Sebastien Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes, a player often compared to Nylander in a contractual, experience and offensive production sense, agreed to eight years with an AAV of $9.75 million.
