from Michael Traikos at the Toronto Sun,

Chicago has 18 players signed through 2020-21 and $7.35 million in available cap space to fill out its 23-man roster. Some of that money has to go to re-upping rookie Dominik Kubalik and Dylan Strome, plus the Blackhawks don’t have a goalie signed.

Arizona was hoping to re-sign Taylor Hall in the summer. But with $7 million in the kitty and seven roster spots that need filling, it won’t be a reality unless they can find someone willing to take either Phil Kessel ($6.8 million) or Derik Stepan ($6.5 million) off their hands.

Tampa Bay is also in trouble. When are they not? The team has only 15 players under contract and about $5 million leftover to re-up Selke Trophy-candidate Anthony Cirelli and defenceman Mikhail Sergachev, meaning Yanni Gourde ($5.1 million), Alex Killorn ($5 million) or Tyler Johnson ($4.45 million) could be available.

And then there’s Toronto.

The Leafs, who have spent the second most on salaries of any team in the NHL (the Coyotes are No. 1), have 16 players signed through 2020-21 and only $4.59 million in projected cap space.

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