Leafs injury timelines may affect trade plans — The Fourth Period
The Toronto Maple Leafs remain in the market for upgrades and since going 4-0-2 in their last six games, the team finds themselves two points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with half the season to go.
It is no secret Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving would like to add to his roster, as multiple reports have indicated recently. But given the team’s close proximity to the salary cap, any major addition will have to result in at least one roster player being moved out.
During his weekly appearance on “The Sheet” with Jeff Marek on Friday, TFP’s David Pagnotta reiterated Toronto’s desire to add a puck-moving defenceman and a top-six forward to their lineup, but added the recent injuries to Dakota Joshua and Chris Tanev may impact Treliving’s plans.
Joshua injured his kidney last week, while Tanev injured his groin, and is also dealing with his original injury from earlier in the season, and it is unclear when either player will be able to return to the lineup. Some question if either player will be able to suit up again this season.
“If (the Leafs) find they’re in a position now where they can utilize some LTIR space, then I think that’s what they’d like to do,” Pagnotta said.
If Joshua and/or Tanev are placed on LTIR for the balance of the regular-season, they would give the Maple Leafs extra salary cap space to add to their roster and help the team push for a playoff spot – upon which, each playoff game lineup must remain cap compliant.
