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Liles likely facing ‘tough decision’ from Maple Leafs

Boston Bruins v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 23: of the Boston Bruins skates in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 23, 2013 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Bruins 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Claus Andersen

The future of defenseman John-Michael Liles with the Toronto Maple Leafs sounds uncertain all of the sudden.

Liles is entering the second year of his four-year deal with the Maple Leafs, and comes with an annual cap hit of $3.875 million. That said, the prospect of him making this team doesn’t sound all that promising.

“The feelings that are inside the management and the coach’s office should be left there,” said Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle, according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.ca.

“We know there are tough decisions coming. We think that some people have separated themselves both positively and negatively.”

According to Capgeek.com, the Leafs are still above the 2013-14 salary cap.

There were several reports out of Toronto on Friday that the 32-year-old Liles will likely be assigned to the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League, although he would have to clear waivers first.

“You go out there and do what you can do,” Liles told the National Post. “Ultimately it’s up to the front office and not up to you. That’s all you can do.”

Last season, following the lockout, Liles struggled at times as a puck-moving blue liner, producing 11 points in 32 games. He suited up in only four playoff games.

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