LEAFS OFFSEASON REVIEW - THE BIG ONES

Nick De Cicco

Firstly, the Leafs fortified their offensive instabilities by signing former Calgary Flame and Seattle Kraken, Calle Järnkrok, to a four-year contract with an $4.1M average annual salary. An extremely smart playmaker is exactly what the buds need on their second and third lines to provide some variety at the faceoff dot. His faceoff percentage averaged close to 50% and he accumulated 30 points during this past regular season.

In spite of his small size, Calle’s exceptional hockey sense and puck handling skills is exactly what the team needs. His expertise would fit perfectly on the third line between Kampf and Engvall or Aubé-Kubel. Järnkrok’s lacking release in his shot can be improved on during his potential four-year stay in T.O.

The biggest and most controversial move of Dubas’ 2022 offseason was the investment of his starting goaltending. The Blue and White were circling around Sens goalie, Matt Murray, for months until they finally committed to an offer to scoop up the 2-time Stanley Cup champion. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired G Matt Murray, a third-round pick in 2023 and a seventh-round selection in 2024 in exchange for future considerations.

In addition, the Sens retained 25% of Murray’s $6.25M annual earnings. With this retention, Matt’s cap hit on the Leafs’ books was $4.687M. The once primed goaltender with the Pittsburgh Penguins has certainly declined from those times. Despite Ottawa’s poor overall performances over the last two seasons, the Sens couldn’t get a crucial save for their lives. Murray’s multiple injuries since his start in the Nation’s capital hasn’t helped his case with the critics either. From lower body to neck injuries, concussions, and battles with illnesses (including COVID), Matt has suffered it all.

All the injuries and below-par numbers would alone be the undoing of any potential trade asset, but Dubas’ mindset is built differently. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) pipeline strikes again with the connection between the Leafs’ new goaltender and his amatuer past. Any Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound alumni are always in consideration with Dubas’ rosters. This association between Kyle Dubas and his former stomping grounds was a leading advantage for this trade in spite of all the negatives.

According to Kyle, a small stretch between Murray’s return from the Belleville Senators (AHL) and his season ending concussion in 2021 was Dubas’ highest influence in making this trade. We’ve seen in the past that many high caliber goalies have turned their careers around after some awful stretches. For Matt Murray, his performance will depend on confidence and his ability to stay healthy throughout the upcoming season. The support Murray’s received by fellow players and management has skyrocketed his confidence.

In terms of preserving his health, Matt couldn’t have picked a better team. Ottawa’s desperation mentioned above could have landed Murray in Buffalo, but the excellent training staff in the 6ix was the best decision in Matt’s career. The training staff in Toronto has been so evolutionary in the sport that banged-up legends like Wendel Clark and Joe Thorton signed team-friendly deals to take advantage of the Leafs’ training staff.

Regardless of any opinion in the media, the acquisition of Matt Murray was a risky one that has two possible outcomes. Either it will be a complete failure with Matt being unable to turn things around or Murray will surprise the masses with an incredible performance that puts the doubters to shame. In terms of Kyle Dubas’ position, he might have risked his job with the organization with this move. Kyle will probably need to find work elsewhere if the newly acquired goalie is a bust. If Murray does work out, Dubas will look like a genius!

Murray has two years remaining on his current contract and he might be the last goalie between the pipes for the rest of Auston Matthews’ current contract with the Leafs. Murray’s uncertainties might bring alone the perfect opportunity for potential backup, Ilya Samsonov.

Ilya’s performance in backup games might promote him to the starting role. This new position is definitely uncharted territory for Samsonov, but his abilities showcased in Washington could give Leafs management confidence in the switch. The 25-year-old might need to be relied on more for tandem work with Murray throughout the season. A usual 60:20 split is unachievable for this duo and an even split might work better for all involved.

The 2022 NHL regular season is weeks away and moves are bound to continue. At the time of this writing, the Leafs are $1.5M over the NHL’s salary cap. Money needs to move somewhere and more roster players may be traded to balance the books. The 2022 offseason is far from over and additional twists and turns are bound to happen!