Maple Leafs Make Surprising Roster Moves

The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone 2-1 in their first two games and have already started making changes to their roster. Today the team has decided to send goaltender Aaron Dell and forward Jason Spezza through waivers.

The team is hoping both will go unclaimed, but unfortunately for them, that's likely not the case for Dell. The goaltending waiver claims have been coming in fast and furious and it's expected Dell will be claimed. It's likely going to be the New Jersey Devils or Edmonton Oilers who add Dell to their NHL roster.

Four goalies have been claimed off waivers in the last week, so Aaron Dell is unlikely to clear. The order of claim doesn't guarantee he even falls to Edmonton:

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— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 17, 2021

Last season in San Jose, the 31-year-old appeared in 33 games for the Sharks, posting a .907 save percentage. This year for the Maple Leafs, Dell has dressed for one game, Saturday night when he was the backup for Jack Campbell.

As for Spezza, the 37-year-old has appeared in all three games and has one assist. He appears to be a step behind this season and the team is looking to bring in some more speed to their fourth line in either Adam Brooks or Travis Boyd.

Don't expect anyone to claim Spezza, if they do....he'll retire.

Jason Spezza's agent says the veteran centre will retire if claimed off waivers by another NHL team: https://t.co/ytEdlf5yR8
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 17, 2021

Jason Spezza’s Maple Leaf career:

Season One: Mike Babcock tries to embarrass him at every turn.

Season Two: Waived after three games.
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) January 17, 2021

The Toronto Maple Leafs have wasted no time making changes, and it sounds like more are coming next week.

Photo credit: Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire