Islanders: Leo Komarov strangely desirable to Toronto Maple Leafs fans

Leo Komarov has been placed on waivers by the New York Islanders. An official reason wasn’t stated by the Islanders for the move, but it’s been 30 days since the last time Leo passed through waivers meaning the Isles could no longer move him on and off the taxi squad at a whim’s notice.

Assuming he clears in 24 hours, the Islanders will have another 30 days (or 10 games played) of roster flexibility with the 34-year-old vet.

So far this season, Leo has played six games for the Islanders scoring no points, six shots on goal, and five penalty minutes. Leo hasn’t been an effective player for the Islanders but finds himself in the lineup because of his extensive NHL experience and ability to play on the PK.

While the Islanders are putting him on waivers to give themselves more roster flexibility over the next month, they wouldn’t oppose if another team steps in and claims him, and his $3 million cap hit off the waiver wire.

New York Islanders put Leo Komarov on waivers

If some Toronto Maple Leafs fans had their way, Kyle Dubas would step up and claim the former Maple Leafs assistant captain. Here are just a few fans hoping the Leafs will step in and bring back a fan favorite to T.O.

https://twitter.com/wolfman11681/status/1360276386779451395

To a certain degree, I get why some Leafs fans want to bring Leo back. Leo was a solid bottom-six player for the Leafs in his five seasons with the club. In 15-16, Leo put up a career-high 19 goals and 36 points while playing in Toronto.

That type of production and play is why Lou Lamoriello signed Komarov during the 2018 free-agency window to a four-year $12 million contract ($3 million AAV). So again, I get why some fans would like to see him wear blue and white again.

But Leo isn’t that same player any longer. He hasn’t been that player for years now. He’s no longer an effective bottom-six player in the NHL. There’s also the problem his $3 million AAV brings to a Leafs team that’s already $3.072 million over the salary cap ceiling.

Surely these fans must see that?

There’s just no way that the Maple Leafs will make the move needed in order to accommodate Komarov’s $3 million cap hit on their already capped out roster. What Leo brings to the table just isn’t worth the investment in time and energy.

He will certainly go unclaimed and will continue to serve as a bottom-six player with the Islanders or perhaps stay just stay on the taxi squad.