It seems like just last week, we talked about how the Leafs are in fact up against the cap, which is not quite what Kyle Dubas said at his post-season presser. He did say that they could create more space by making moves, and so he did.
How much space? That really does depend on the results of contract negotiations with various RFAs, including the newest, Evan Rodrigues.
Trading Kapanen removed his $3.2 million cap hit from the equation, but Rodrigues, an NHL roster player who is not waivers exempt, and has two full seasons in the NHL, is 27, but is an RFA with arbitration rights.