During training camp, the Toronto media wrote about how former Capital Brooks Laich would be a great choice to become the Leafs’ 18th captain in franchise history.
“I was one of those kids, a Leafs fan growing up who wrote school papers on being captain,” Laich said to the Toronto Sun in September. “But I think all that will sort itself out. I haven’t had any discussion like that, I’ve not been approached.”
On Sunday in a surprise move, the Leafs put Laich and his $4.5 million cap hit on waivers. This is the last year of Laich’s six-year, $27 million contract that he received from George McPhee and signed in 2011.
The #leafs have placed Andrew Campbell, Byron Froese, Colin Greening and Brooks Laich on waivers.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 9, 2016
More Leafs cuts: Greening, Laich, Campbell and Froese on waivers. Laich the surprise. If all four go to Marlies, Toronto at 25 players.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) October 9, 2016
Last February, the Caps traded Laich (DC’s longest tenured athlete), prospect defenseman Connor Carrick, and a second-round pick for Daniel Winnik and a fifth-round pick.
The news will likely come as a shock to Laich. At 9am this morning, Laich revealed his suit for opening night on his Instagram page.
Laich also asked “if anyone else as excited as Connor Carrick and I” to start the regular season a few weeks ago.
In a word, this is awkward.
Monday Update: The Leafs have opted to keep Laich on the roster despite passing through waivers.
Despite clearing waivers, Brooks Laich is one of 15 forwards remaining with #leafs. Greening on his way to AHL. Prust still on a PTO.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 10, 2016
