Report: Leafs facing HUGE cap issue with Lupul

When Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul made headlines two weeks ago with his “cheaters” comments about Leafs management, eyebrows were raised throughout the hockey world. Including, apparently,  some inquisitive eyebrows over at the NHL head offices in New York City. The league is undergoing an investigation on Lupul’s health and will make a determination whether or not he is in fact fit to play during the 2017-18 season. If he’s ruled eligible, the Leafs could be charged with salary cap circumvention and be forced to shoehorn Lupus’s $5.25 million salary into their roster.

For what it’s worth, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has made no comment on the issue and Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello has also not been made away of any issues with Lupul.

Still, if the NHL were to come out and force the Leafs to add Lupul to their roster, it could push them well over the NHL’s salary cap forcing them to either make a deal or send him to the AHL. Either case would be a nightmare scenario for the team, but the team, the player and the rest of the league should know Lupul’s fate before the puck drops to start the season on Wednesday evening.