November 4, 2024 | 11:57am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

LEAFS REMAIN ACTIVE IN LEAGUE-WIDE TALKS

Connor Dewar, forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs freed up some salary cap space last week when they moved defenceman Timothy Liljegren to San Jose, granting his wish to be dealt. But more moves are expected with a couple players inching closer to returns from injuries over the next week or so.

Defenceman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar were sent to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Friday on conditioning loans and once they’re ready for full time NHL action, the Leafs will need to accommodate them under the cap.

Leafs GM Brad Treliving is believed to still be engaged in trade discussions with other teams while also weighing his options via the waiver wire.

Blueliners Conor Timmins and Matt Benning, acquired from the Sharks in the Liljegren trade,are both candidates to be moved or sent down to the AHL, should they clear waivers, in an attempt to free up additional space.

Up front, Calle Jarnkork, currently on LTIR, generated some trade interest early on in the season and pre-season, while Nick Robertson is still on the trade block and available if Treliving secures the right return.

The Maple Leafs appear to have options, but what direction management takes remains to be seen.

Dewar comes with a $1.18 million cap hit, while Hakanpaa has a $1.47 million AAV.