Rare salary cap loophole could help Leafs Brad Treliving bring in key players

The Leafs did take part in a few moves on Wednesday, signing Jani Hakanpaa to a 1-year deal at $1.47 million and acquiring Max Pacioretty on a professional tryout. The Hakanpaa contract ultimately puts the team a smidge over the salary cap limit, so we can expect a trade or roster move momentarily. Meanwhile, Pacioretty's agent, Allan Walsh, was a bit more forthcoming on 'X', suggesting a deal could be in place by the time training camp breaks that will turn his PTO into a full-fledged contract. This contract could have big cap consequences when the Four Nations Face-off arrives in February.

What PuckPedia explains is the Leafs, like most teams, want to avoid LTIR going into the tournament. It doesn't sound like a lot, but the $485K of cap space saved could be the difference in adding a fringe player or someone who really makes a difference in the lineup. That's a reason why Toronto has had to give up draft picks in recent years to offload contracts. That said, some flexibility is important to maintain.

The likelihood is that, with Max Pacioretty, Steven Lorentz, and eight waiver-needing defensemen in camp, GM Brad Treliving is looking to make a trade that would clear cap room to put the Leafs in position to make another substantial strategic move later in the season, especially after they gain savings on the cap from the 4 Nations Face-off season break.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving planning to take advantage of a salary cap loophole