Alexey Marchenko Placed on Waivers

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Alexey Marchenko on waivers. While we don’t know the circumstances yet, it seems like an attempt to either get rid of his contract in hopes another team claims him, or just to bury his contract in the minors.

Marchenko joined the team last season after also getting put on waivers by the Detroit Red Wings. After putting up six assists in 30 games, he only drew in for 11 games with the Leafs, getting two points, including a goal against his former team.

Marchenko had one more year left on his contract with a $1.45 million cap hit. If Marchenko clears, he will have a buried cap hit of $400k in the AHL. (via NHLNumbers)

With the Leafs almost $4 million over the cap and with Connor Brown still a free agent, they still have some work to do. Marchenko is the first of (hopefully) many attempts to trim the fat on the Leafs salary cap in hopes to be able to sign Brown before training camp. Also, this creates another roster spot on their blueline, which I’d imagine they’re hoping someone like Travis Dermott, Justin Holl, or maybe even Timothy Liljegren, will take.

Editor’s note:

James Mirtle (who is of the Athletic, if you have somehow missed that) said this. I guess we know now.