Lupul ruling could alter final cuts
Veteran who flunked physical then questioned club’s motive awaits results of fresh test
Joffrey Lupul remained in injury limbo on Monday, but he continues to have an impact on the Leafs’ roster.
According to a TSN report, Lupul — who failed a physical at the outset of training camp, then suggested on Instagram that the club cheated on the results for salary-cap reasons — was to undergo another test Monday to determine if his injuries were severe enough to warrant placing him on long-term injured reserve for the upcoming season.
That decision was to expected to arrive on Tuesday and it could affect the Leafs’ final cuts, due by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The issue is Lupul’s $5.25-million cap hit (all dollar figures U.S.), which would count for this season depending on the test results. As it stands, the Leafs have no room under this season’s $75-million cap.
“I know as much as you do,” Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello said Monday. “His status is the same unless something different develops.”
The Leafs must make up to three more cuts to get down to the limit of 23 for Wednesday night’s opener in Winnipeg.
Hiding Lupul’s cap hit on the injured reserve list would give Lamoriello more options.
The NHL was overseeing the Lupul retest, TSN reported, and asked him recently to undergo an independent medical examination.
Current Leafs who could be affected by Tuesday’s decision include veteran centres Eric Fehr and Dominic Moore, who would have to clear waivers and report to the Marlies to clear cap space.