Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Domi, Samsonov, Talbot & Salary Cap – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs will begin unveiling what may have been happening just three days later. Until then, rumors swirl. In this post, I will look at a few of them.

Related: Maple Leafs News and Rumors: Berezin, Keller, Matthews & Cowan

Did Max Domi lower his price to stay with the Maple Leafs? What are the rumors about the Maple Leafs goaltending situation? Also, what a surprise analysis Athletic about the team’s salary gap?

First thing: Max Domi Lowers Contract Requirements to Stay with Map Leaves

Max Domi has significantly reduced the demands of his contract, which shows his strong desire to stay with the club. He initially sought a five-year deal worth $5 million per season. However, recent reports from Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggest that Domi has adjusted his asking price to $4 million per season on a four-year contract.

The move suggests he wants to stay in Toronto and deal with the team’s salary cap issues. If so, it could help the team’s efforts to retain critical players while focusing on strengthening the defense.

Thing Two: Ilya Samsonov Won’t Go Back To The Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs may part ways with goaltender Ilya Samsonov as they look to retool their roster for next season. Samsonov, 27, posted a 23-7-8 record with a 3.13 goals-against average (GAA), .890 save percentage, and three shutouts in 40 regular-season games this past season. However, his performance carried over into the playoffs, where he went 1-4 with a 3.01 GAA and an .896 save percentage in five games.

Samsonov, drafted by the Washington Capitals in the first round (No. 22) of the 2015 NHL Draft, has a career record of 102-39-21 with a 2.76 GAA, .904 save percentage, and 13 shutouts in 171 regular-season games between the Capitals and the Maple Leafs. His career record is 6-14 with a 3.05 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 22 games.

Given his poor performance and the team’s limitations, it is unlikely that Samsonov will return to Toronto next season. The club is expected to explore other goaltending options to strengthen its defense and the stability of the entire system.

Item Three: The Maple Leafs Could See Cam Talbot on a Short-Term Deal

Speaking of other options, veteran goaltender Cam Talbot has been rumored as a possible short-term addition. Talbot, who recently completed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and could be a viable option for the Maple Leafs.

Talbot, 36, had a strong season for the Kings, posting a 27-20-6 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .913 save percentage in 54 regular season games. Despite a tough playoff run, Talbot’s overall experience and regular season stats make him an attractive candidate for the Maple Leafs looking to bolster their goaltending depth.

Signing Talbot to a one-year contract, similar to his contract with the Kings, could give the team the stability it needs without committing to a long-term commitment. His previous connections with Maple Leafs management, including his work with general manager (GM) Brad Treliving during their time with the Calgary Flames, adds a layer of possibility to this potential signing.

Talbot’s experience and proven track record could make him a valuable addition to the Maple Leafs’ roster as they aim for a successful season.

What’s Next in Maple Leaves?

Athletic recently analyzed the NHL team’s salary cap situation and noted that the Maple Leafs’ salary cap situation appears to be remarkably manageable. The club’s 2024-25 campaign is not as bad as expected. With $69,169,667 in salary commitments and approximately $8.57 million in restricted free agent cap space, the Maple Leafs have approximately $10.26 million in available cap space. Despite notable undrafted UFAs like Tyler Bertuzzi, Domi, and TJ Brodie, they find themselves in the middle of the NHL in terms of cap issues (from “Ranking every NHL salary situation, from best to worst,” Sean Gentille & Harman Dayal, Athletic27/06/24).

An important feature is the absence of long-term injured reserve candidates or dead money deals, which has helped the organization to be more manageable. However, the team’s challenge lies in stretching their remaining cap space to sign key players, including two wingers, a number 4/5 defenseman, and a potential top-six center.

The analyst noted that the team’s worst contract is Morgan Rielly’s at $7.5 million AAV for the next six seasons. The club also faces an important decision regarding Mitch Marner, whose future with the club could significantly change their financial situation and strategic direction.

While Toronto has several key players to sign and limited cap space to do so, their situation is limited compared to other NHL teams. It’s surprising.