Joined: Nov. 2016
Posts: 2,933
Likes: 362
The Leafs perspective only makes sense if they were really concerned about the effects of putting Martin on waivers would have in the dressing room, or Babcock put a stop to that notion from the start. That would have likely been a better move than this, save for getting down to 49 contracts.[/quote]
There is good chance that Martin would not be claimed if put on waivers, and then what do you do with him, send him to the Marlies? You're right. Keep Martin Teams still need depth, and Martin and Leivo provide it. Leafs have just the good fortune of not having injuries at the wing position. Martin could be traded easily after July 1st when the Leafs pay his signing bonus. For the next two season he only receives 2.5m in salary. Even if the Leafs have to include a sweetener, so be it.