Based on the statement made by GM Kyle Dubas after the signing of former Hart Trophy winner Joe Thornton last weekend, the most consequential news that could occur with the Toronto Maple Leafs roster between now and the beginning of training camp may be the new contracts for restricted free agent defenseman Travis Dermott and winger Ilya Mikheyev.
The Leafs have just under $1.5 million in available cap space (according to Cap Friendly) after signing goalie Aaron Dell, defensemen Zach Bogosian and TJ Brodie, forwards Jimmy Vesey, Wayne Simmonds, and Thornton, and swapping winger Andreas Johnsson for youngster Joey Anderson, but have to make room to fit Dermott and Mikheyev’s new deal under the cap.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Monday that Mikheyev, who had 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 39 games in his rookie season, filed an amount of $2.7 million on a one-year deal for the hearing on Wednesday, while the Leafs requested a two-year deal for $1 million. The Athletic’s James Mirtle indicated that since the Russian winger was the one to file for arbitration, Toronto has the option to choose the term of the deal and selected two years.
Dubas said on Sunday that the Leafs should be able to accommodate the salaries for Mikheyev and Dermott by managing the salary cap and keeping less than 23 players on the NHL roster, but that might be more difficult if the arbitrator chooses Mikheyev’s amount.
“Whether we have to go with 20 men on the roster to start, or whether on off days and with the team being so close. (Sending) guys down to play games for the Marlies rather than sitting out for us, if they have been through waivers or they are waiver exempt in order to keep guys fresh and active and accrue some savings that way, will be key.” Dubas said. “At this time, in working with Brandon Pridham on it daily, it doesn’t appear that we will need to move anybody else out.”
Based on the Leafs going low on a two-year deal, the likelihood would be a number closer to $1 million on a one-year deal and closer to $2 million on a two-year deal if the two sides settle before Wednesday’s hearing. The Leafs have a number of players represented by Mikheyev’s agent Daniel Milstein (including winger Alexander Barabanov and 2020 first rounder Rodion Amirov) and that working relationship should help in the two sides reaching an agreement.
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