Maple Leafs rumor rebutle...

Earlier this week a trade rumor that would see Ryan Malone come to Toronto was summarily shut down due to the fact that the Maple Leafs after signing Luke Schenn wouldn't have enough money under the salary cap. Another reason for why this rumor was disregarded, was that it is believed that the Leafs would have no room for him in their current roster.

Well I'd like a chance to explain why all these debunking reports have no basis.

First off while yes if they took on Malone's salary and signed Luke Schenn they would be surpassing the salary cap ceiling. However The Leafs would have 26 players signed to contract on their main roster, someone would have to be sent down. At least 3 players for sure. Malone is making $4,500 000

a season the Leafs have only $5,100 000 in cap room with which to use to sign Luke Schenn, who will most likely sign for $3,500 000 the most. I can't see him being worth more at this point in his career.

Leaving the Leafs with $1,600 000 in cap space. Obviously not enough for Malone. Mathew Lombardi who will most likely start the season on the IR, is making $3,500 000. Colton Orr who may be done due to injury as well is making $1,000 000. Matt Lashoff is making $600 000. So you clear the space Matt Lashoff minors, Orr IR or minors, Lombardi is most likely not going to be ready to play or Nashville wouldn't have given so much for the Leafs to take him. That clears $5,100 000 for Malone.

We also know that the Leafs are loaded with injury prone player, Connolly, Lupul, Komiserek, Gustavsson. So it's not unrealistic to believe that the Leafs will need to add depth just for that reason alone.

If a deal with Tampa should occur Here's how I see opening night.

Lupul Connolly Kessel

Kulemin Grabovski MacCarther

Malone Bozak Kadri

Brown Boyce Armstrong

The Leafs could roll four strong lines. And when injuries occur, they will be able to replace the player without a hitch.

Another and final thing to consider, Burke is known for loading his team with “too many” players in a position, he likes players to compete for spots on the team.

I'm not saying the trade will occur, it's still a rumor but it can and in my opinion should occur.