Free agency is just around the corner and the Toronto Maple Leafs sound like they're about to go big game hunting for a top 4 defender. In order to do that, they're looking at a loophole in order to circumvent the salary cap.
According to Chris Johnston of TSN on The Chris Johnston Show, the Leafs are exploring the idea of brining in Chris Tanev on a 5 or 6 year deal that way they can save a little bit of money on the contract because of the longer term.
Tanev, 34, has an injury history but has proven to be a reliable shut down defender despite that. However, giving him a long term contract at 34 means that there's a likelihood he'll either be injured or retire. Which means should he not finish out his contract, the Leafs would be able to use long-term injured reserve to bridge the cap between whenever he stops playing and the end of his deal. Cap circumvention at its finest.
