As we all know, Patrick Marleau has a contract that needs to be dealt with to help next year’s cap crunch, He makes around 6 million in his last year (next year) which will impact the Leafs’ cap space negatively by a lot. The Leafs need as much cap as they can get their hands on. There are 2 options that I see viable for Toronto at this point.

Buying Out His Contract

The Leafs can take the same approach the Washington Capitals took with Brooks Orpik when they traded him to Colorado. Colorado bought him out and then he resigned with the Caps for a much lower cap hit. The Leafs can do this under 1 condition, they have to trade Marleau first, to be able to legally resign Marleau in free agency.

Trade

This option isn’t too popular because of Marleau’s importance and leadership to the team. But if it came down to this. I think it would benefit the Leafs also. Mostly in cap relief.

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