Toronto Maple Leafs: Teams interested in Matt Martin
By James Reeve
Reports have begun to emerge that suggest a number of teams around the NHL are interested in Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matt Martin.
Matt Martin is a player the Toronto Maple Leafs need to get off their books, with his $2.5 million cap hit far too expensive for a player who has just 21 points during two seasons in Toronto.
Martin has been a loyal soldier for the team, being the physical presence the Leafs’ higher-ups wanted to give their young, developing stars some added protection.
But two seasons have now passed; the Leafs had a record-breaking season in 2017-18 and, with the signing of John Tavares, could be considered a true contender.
Martin’s role with the team decreased rapidly in his second year, finding himself effectively benched since around February, never really getting another look-in.
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The Leafs have some important contract negotiations to make this year and next, and need to shed some unnecessary contracts in order to keep them as competitive as they should be.
And it appears as if other teams are set to give them some help, with Sportsnet reporting that Martin is garnering interest from a number of teams around the league.
The New York Islanders could be a logical destination, with Lou Lamoriello the man who originally signed him for Toronto and who has just signed his former teammate Leo Komarov.
Matt Martin is in demand on trade market. Seriously. Following payment of his $1.5M signing bonus by Leafs (likely yesterday), acquiring club would owe him $750,000 this year and $1.75M next year. Cap hit is $2.5M per.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 2, 2018
One thing that should certainly help the Leafs with moving Martin’s contract, is how little he will cost in real dollars over the next two seasons.
He carries a $2.5 million cap hit for each of the next two seasons, but he will cost teams just $750,000 this year and $1.75 million the next.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported that the Leafs have paid him his regular signing bonus of $1.5 million and that drops his cost down greatly – making him an ideal pick-up for a money-cautious team.
Martin has been a good personality for the Leafs, forming a close friendship with young star Mitch Marner, but it is time the Leafs focused on being the best team they can possibly be.
The 29-year-old sadly does not fit into this team and he would be better served by being traded to somewhere that will play him regularly.
Next: Leafs interested in Calvin de Haan
What do you think Toronto Maple Leafs fans? Would you be happy to see Martin traded away? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!