Maple Leafs Sign Emil Andrae: Next Moves to Get Under the Salary Cap

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Emil Andrae to a two-year, $1.55 million-per-season contract. Andrae came over from Philadelphia in the trade that sent Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to the Flyers, and projects as a puck-moving depth piece who could compete for a spot on Toronto’s third pairing.

🖊️  We’ve signed defenceman Emil Andrae to a two-year contract

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 4, 2026

The 24-year-old posted two goals and 11 assists in 61 games last season while averaging over 14 minutes a night, giving GM John Chayka a younger, cost-controlled option on the back end compared to the departed Benoit.

But the signing also adds to a real problem: Toronto now projects 23 players on its roster and sits $2.75 million over the salary cap. Combined with Gavin McKenna’s bonus-heavy entry-level deal, the Leafs’ cap sheet has gotten tight fast.

How Will the Maple Leafs Get Under the Cap?

The team isn’t necessarily in a bind just yet. Toronto doesn’t need to carry all 23 players into the regular season, and demoting depth pieces to the AHL or making another trade could easily close the gap.

There’s also Max Domi’s uncertain status after offseason back surgery — if he starts the year on long-term injured reserve, his cap hit would temporarily ease the squeeze. Chayka said this week that Domi is progressing, but his health remains a genuine wildcard as Toronto works to get compliant before camp.

The other option is a trade. Someone like Dakota Joshua, who was acquired under the old regime, could be a piece moved. His $3.25 million cap hit would alleviate the issue for the Maple Leafs. He’s projected to be a fourth-line left-winger, and there are likely less costly ways to fill that position.

Of course, there’s always a Morgan Rielly trade, which has been rumored all summer.

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