15 players hit waivers and the Toronto Maple Leafs can't look away

With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to put together their opening night roster, 15 players have just become available for the team to take a look at.

Earlier today, 15 players were placed on waivers in the NHL as teams make cuts and look to solidify their opening night lineups. These decisions are never easy, but it appears as though some teams are eager to get their cuts over with.

In fact, the Detroit Red Wings accounted for six of these waiver wire additions, while the New York Rangers accounted for four. The New York Islanders had two, the Dallas Stars had one, the Washington Capitals had one, and the Nashville Predators had one as well.

The full list of players includes a plethora of forwards and defensemen, although there is only one player that the Leafs could realistically add to their team, and even then, it's marginal.

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That player is defenseman Ethan Bear, who has NHL experience with a plethora of teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals.

His one-year deal worth $875K doesn't come with a hefty cap hit. Meanwhile, he was expected to make an impact with the New York Islanders. Yet somehow, he was put on waivers anyway.

Could Ethan Bear fit in Toronto

The issue with the Leafs potentially claiming Bear is multilateral. Firstly, they are right at the 50-contract limit, which means they would need to let someone go.

Furthermore, the roster is already crowded, even when it comes to right-handed defensemen. Philippe Myers is projected to go on waivers, which just goes to show that the Leafs are running out of room, and fast, too.

Lastly, the Leafs need more firepower on defense, and Bear just doesn't cut it. Bear has never been an offensive juggernaut, and that kneecaps him when it comes to being a contributor the team can use right away.

While Bear could be a solid depth option, the Leafs already have enough depth. They also need to think about giving homegrown options like Marshall Rifai and William Villeneuve a shot.

So while 15 players are available, it is highly unlikely the Leafs want any of them.

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Former Maple Leafs defenseman placed on waivers