"According to PuckPedia's calculations, the Leafs would have dead cap space for the next eight years. That's a heck of a long time to have cap space allocated to paying a player to go away. If the Maple Leafs bought out Rielly ahead of the 2026-26 season, the instant cap savings would be $4 million for the next four seasons."
"Dead cap space is something that every NHL team comes to regret at some point. Teams up against the cap need every dollar they can spare. That's why dead cap space is the last thing the Leafs will want on their books."
"If the Maple Leafs were truly adamant about ridding themselves of Morgan Rielly, trading him would be the best path forward. That situation would clear all contractual obligations from the books. Most importantly, it would preclude any dead cap space moving forward."
The Toronto Maple Leafs have considered buying out defenseman Morgan Rielly due to concerns about his performance as a top-pairing player. However, a buyout would prove financially detrimental. According to PuckPedia, a buyout before the 2026-27 season would save $4 million annually for four years but leave the team with dead cap space through 2034. Alternatively, letting his contract run naturally keeps the $7.5 million cap hit until 2030. Trading Rielly represents the superior option, eliminating all contractual obligations and avoiding dead cap complications entirely. While trading presents challenges, having the full offseason provides adequate time to negotiate a deal, even if the Leafs must accept reduced return value.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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