- Pierre LeBrun: “Technically speaking, told that Leafs could be cap compliant on opening night without a trade but it would mean bare bones roster (20). Obviously the more comfortable option would be a trade. Liles is most obvious guy to move but very little interest in that contract. Said an NHL team exec from another team: “They’ll be getting lots of calls now for sure because everyone knows their cap situation.” Key moment in the week could be Sunday, last day to put guys on waivers before Monday’s deadline to be cap compliant for opening day. Lots of teams, not just Toronto, likely will try to slide a number of guys on waivers that day… should be interesting.”
- Mark Masters: Cody Franson:
‘It’s just business. They have a job to do … This is my dream place to play.’
- James Mirtle: Franson’s signing makes it difficult to keep Morgan Rielly around. The Leafs would have to make a trade to keep both.
About $925,000 of Liles salary can be buried if they send him to the minors. The remainder counts against the Maple Leafs cap. Liles has a cap hit of $3,875,000, salary of $4,250,000.