The Toronto Maple Leafs will not use a compliance buyout before the 2013 NHL Entry Draft on June 30.
“We’re gonna take our time, get through the draft when most moves are made and then at that point, we’ll look to see if there’s a buyout that we need to use,” general manager Dave Nonis told Tim and Sid on Sportsnet 590 The Fan Tuesday.
In addition to the buyouts, Nonis expects other significant transactions to be discussed over the coming days.
“Between now and July 5 a lot of things can change,” said Nonis. “I think we’re gonna see over the next week as we head to the draft and then the first couple of days after it, there’s probably gonna be more players moved or discussed, at least than have been anticipated.”
The buyout period starts Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET and ends on July 4 at 5 p.m. ET.
Nonis also discussed the future of Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf – who has one year at a $6.5 million cap hit left on his current deal. When asked if he thinks Phaneuf will be in a Leafs uniform on opening night next season, Nonis was quick to say yes, but he also maintained that nothing is set in stone.
“There’s not an untouchable on our team and I don’t think you can have that in this system,” he said.
The Leafs recently acquired goaltender Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, backup goaltender Ben Scrivens and a second-round pick in either the 2014 or 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Nonis was quick to add that the move wasn’t intended to undermine incumbent starter James Reimer.
“I don’t think you can be deep enough in net,” said Nonis. “This wasn’t a knock on James Reimer, I told him that directly. I think that you need strong goaltending to win. James hasn’t had as much competition for the net as he’s going to have with Jonathan here.
“Both players I believe will be better for it. I think they are two of the top young goaltenders in the league.”
