Toronto Maple Leafs roster shuffle: Hat tricks, call-ups and goalie gambles – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leafs

Things are moving fast for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The roster looks all but set, but beneath the surface, a chess game is playing out — salary cap gymnastics, paper deals and clever timing surrounding the Long-Term Injury Reserve (LTIR).

We think Maple Leafs fans sometimes miss how tight the margins are. It’s not just about who plays well; It’s about who meets the cap on any given day. The classic example is the case of Easton Cowan, where a $2,500 salary difference could determine who starts the season at the big club.

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This small gesture says a lot about where the Maple Leafs are right now. They’re balancing development, depth and money — and doing it while bringing in a new coach and a new roster.

Maple Leafs’ Easton Cowan involved in paper shuffle

Cowan has ostensibly been assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). In fact, this may only last a few days. PuckPedia noted that the Maple Leafs briefly kept Jacob Quillan on the roster because his slightly higher salary helped them get closer to the cap before placing Marshall Rifai on LTIR. Once that happens, Cowan could be recalled almost immediately.

This is an easily overlooked hat move, but crucial for maximizing space. The Maple Leafs are now experts at this—always nudging to the finish line without crossing it.

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We think Cowan will start his career with the Marlies, which is great. His performance was enough to suggest he would be back. Head coach Craig Beruub likes his spark and mentioned pairing chemistry — Cowan and Scott Lawton looked to be working well together before Lawton got injured. Don’t be surprised if they reunite when Lawton returns.

The arrival of Caden Primo and the exit of James Reimer

The Maple Leafs are making waves again, claiming Kayden Primo off waivers and terminating James Reimer’s professional tryout contract (PTO). Reimer’s return was short-lived, but his presence clearly served a purpose – providing coverage for veterans during training camp.

Meanwhile, there are some questions surrounding Primeau’s situation. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2017 and spent much of his career trying to find his NHL footing, playing in 55 NHL games and 174 AHL games. The Maple Leafs will likely view Joseph Wall as interim depth while he recovers.

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Dennis Hildeby, who was assigned to the Marlies, remains the organization’s No. 1 goaltender in the AHL. He’ll play a lot, which may be better for his development than sitting behind Anthony Stolarz. Primeau may be a short-term backup, but Hildeby remains a long-term bet.

Immunity and the new look of Marlies

Every player the Maple Leafs waived was cleared – including guard Henry Throne. With Toronto’s depth on the blue line, Throne will need some injuries or a strong AHL performance to get another NHL opportunity. It’s a tough break for a player who has played 115 games in the NHL and just 18 in the AHL, but such is the depth the Maple Leafs have defensively.

We’re expecting a much different Marlies lineup this season. With the help of Cowan, Hildeby, Thrun and a few others, this team is shaping up to be one of the most competitive AHL teams in years – a proving ground for the next team to test.

One last thought about the Maple Leafs

On the surface, this seems routine. But within the Maple Leafs’ front office, every move matters. A $2,500 salary differential, a temporary exemption request, or a well-timed LTIR placement can change the entire equation.

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It’s the hidden side of team building—not as glamorous as the goal highlights, but just as important to what happens on the ice.

[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]