Maple Leafs Earn First Win as $7 Million Cap Window Opens nhltraderumor.com

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders 2-1 on Wednesday for their first win of the 2026-27 season, with Easton Cowan scoring and assisting and new coach Jim Hiller earning his first victory. Simultaneously, Toronto placed Max Domi and Dakota Joshua on long-term injured reserve, creating approximately $7 million in salary cap flexibility that general manager John Chayka could use for roster improvements. Connor Hellebuyck trade speculation involving Edmonton remains unlikely due to the Oilers' tight salary cap situation, as acquiring the $8.5 million goaltender would require them to create an additional $2.82 million in space beyond their current $303,000.