Maple Leafs Rumors: Matt Murray to be Bought Out

The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed to arbitration as goaltender Ilya Samsonov filed earlier this week. While some may feel it's a burden, the Leafs wanted Samsonov to file as this has created a second buy out window for the franchise. Expect to see Matt Murray bought out later this summer as the Leafs will need to cut some salary before the start of next season.

Murray is in the final season of his contract which Toronto is paying him $4.6 million against their cap. After the buy out, Murray will count less than $1 million on the cap for 2023-24 and then $2 million for 2024-25. 

The two-time Stanley Cup champion went 14-8-2 last season in his first with the Maple Leafs and couldn't stay healthy when it mattered most. He was leapfrogged by Joseph Woll on the depth chart and now Woll and Samsonov head into next season as the tandem in Toronto.

Murray will land on his feet once he becomes a free agent, however considering we are this far into the offseason already, there's going to be limited options for him to sign.

As for Samsonov, look for him to ink a two-year contract with the Leafs, at roughly $3.75 million per season. General manager Brad Treliving has done a great job this summer and getting 'Sammy' re-signed will be a cherry on top of a great summer. Toronto is also trying to acquire another defenseman so we'll see what other tricks Treliving has up his sleeve.

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports