The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defenceman Martin Marincin on waivers, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
The Toronto Maple Leafs needed to make some moves after acquiring defenceman Jake Muzzin from the LA Kings.
Prior to Friday night’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the team opted against any changes, but with Tyler Ennis making progress in his recovery it appears the need to make a move was more pressing.
With the team carrying nine blueliners after the Muzzin trade, there was clearly no room for Martin Marincin, who has largely been a bit-part player for the NHL club.
After making 65 regular season appearances in 2015-16, the 26-year-old made 25, two and 10 appearances over the following three seasons.
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In 10 appearances this season, Marincin averaged 15:07 on the ice with a 51.7 percent Corsi rating in largely sheltered minutes, starting in the offensive zone 56.5 percent of the time.
The Slovakian native registered two assists while blocking nine shots, throwing eight hits and having seven takeaways, but was never truly able to push his way into the team’s top six.
Placing Marincin on waivers could present another team in the NHL an opportunity to claim the big-bodied left-hander for free.
The Leafs must feel confident that Marincin will pass waivers, allowing the organisation to place him back in the minors – where he will get regular minutes with the Marlies.
Fellow blueliner Justin Holl also continues to sit in hockey purgatory, never really looking like he will get his chance, and the addition of Muzzin makes it even less likely he will get a shot this season.
However, it appears that the Leafs believe Holl is more likely to be claimed by another NHL team and have opted to send Marincin down instead.
It is interesting that the Leafs decided to waive Marincin at this point in the season, with the team having no spare forwards to use in the case on an injury.
Someone like Trevor Moore could find himself called back up to the NHL club as a result of Marincin’s demotion.
While the move could also be a precursor to further additions to the team, via a trade, it is unlikely the Leafs will make another move until closer to the trade deadline, unless they find a deal that they feel they can’t say no to.
Having a spare roster spot does allow the Toronto Maple Leafs more freedom in that regard, as they will have already sent a player down to give them that extra spot.
If Marincin clears waivers and rejoins the Marlies, the AHL club will have a big boost to their defensive corps, which has seen the likes of Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin sidelined for some time.
What do you think of the move Leafs Nation? Are you pleased to see Marincin sent down? Do you think another team will claim him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.