Maple Leafs Cut 2-Time Stanley Cup Champion for Cap Relief

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant roster decision by placing a former, two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender on waivers ahead of the regular season.

According to NHL insider Chris Johnston , Toronto placed veteran netminder Matt Murray on waivers on Sunday along with defenseman Marshall Rifai.

"Among the boatload of players on NHL waivers, today are Leafs' Marshall Rifai and Matt Murray, who is still working his way back from bilateral hip surgery that cost him last season," Johnston wrote on X.

By placing Murray, who hoisted the cup in 2016 and 2017 while with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Leafs opened a roster spot and removed some salary from their books.

According to PuckPedia , the Maple Leafs are still $2.7 million above the $88 million cap, although they have two spots open in their 23-man roster.

Murray missed last season entirely due to bilateral hip surgery, not appearing in a single NHL game with the Leafs.

The 30-year-old is facing two outcomes after being cut: he will either clear waivers and return to the Leafs organization, or he'll be claimed by another team in need of goaltending depth.

If Murray returns to Toronto, he'll join the franchise's affiliate in the AHL, the Marlies, where he played the only three games he logged last year.

Despite signing a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Leafs on July 1, the team will go with a tandem comprised of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz in net for the upcoming season.

According to Johnston, in a story for The Athletic , Murray is due a $100,000 signing bonus, which could serve as a deterrent for teams considering a claim.

"Included in the $875,000 contract the Leafs gave veteran Matt Murray over the summer is a $100,000 signing bonus due this Thursday," Johnston wrote. "A pending payment that could serve as a disincentive for another team to put a claim in on Murray after he was exposed to the waiver wire Sunday afternoon."

Additionally, the Leafs placed defenseman Marshall Rifai on waivers alongside Murray. Rifai played two NHL games last season and he will be re-assigned to the Toronto Marlies if he clears waivers.

Related: Report: Maple Leafs Still Considering $6 Million Defenseman Trade