Maple Leafs buyout rumour denied despite room needed on cap in Toronto

It’s buyout season in the National Hockey League and already some contracts have been bought out by teams ahead of the June, 30th deadline. However, in Toronto, there is a sense that the Maple Leafs will not buy out the contract of defenseman TJ Brodie. Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reported via a source Tuesday that there is “no truth” to the rumours of the Maple Leafs buying out the blue liner.

Brodie is entering the final season of a four-year, $20 million deal signed with the Maple Leafs in 2020. His contract buyout would clear his entire $5 million cap hit from the books for next season, while leaving a cap charge of $2.5 million in 2024-25.

TSN Hockey's Mike Johnson recently argued on OverDrive Tuesday that “it makes zero sense” for the Maple Leafs to buy out Brodie as the team is likely to consider different ways to improve their defensive squad.

Rumours of a buyout in Toronto has also been linked to netminder Matt Murray. The goalie is in the final year of his contract, which carries a $4,687,500 cap hit. If the Leafs were to buy out Murray, they would save $4.1875 million this season but get charged $2 million in the 2024-25 season.

Just like for Brodie, who by the way knows new GM Brad Treliving from their time with the Calgary Flames, a buyout would only benefit Toronto this season.

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