Spezza on the waiver wire next?

In case you missed the news earlier today, the Toronto Maple Leafs waived forward Nic Petan and defenseman Martin Marinicin. Additionally, the Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Tomas Jurco on waivers.

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These Leafs' moves come as little surprise to fans who have been watching the team's roster squeeze the past few weeks. With injured forward Zach Hyman expected to join the team's lineup this weekend, something had to give. Petan and Marincin ultimately pay the price, but the Leafs will still need to move at least one more player down to the AHL.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that general managers around the league have even inquired with GM Kyle Dubas about making a deal. In particular, Friedman reports in his latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet that teams are checking to see if Dubas will move a “big salary” player.

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With Travis Dermott back and Zach Hyman nearing his own return, teams checking to see if Toronto wishes to move a big salary are being told the Maple Leafs are determined to give their strongest roster a chance. They want to see that group in action before making any rash decisions. That means, as expected, a team of 20 or 21; so two or three will be traded or waived.

It’s worth noting that Hyman’s $2.25 million salary will put the Leafs about $2 million over the salary cap once he returns, so sending Jason Spezza or Dymtro Timashov with their low salaries won’t help the Leafs out.

Still, TSN insider Shawn Simpson believes that Spezza will be the next Leafs player to hit the waiver wire.

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Cody Ceci and his $4.5 million cap hit must be sweating it out right about now…