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Daly: NHL can't comment on Lupul's 'Leafs cheat' claim yet

James Guillory / USA Today Sports

Joffrey Lupul may have opened up a can of worms.

Lupul - still a Toronto Maple Leafs forward, at least on paper - took to Instagram on Sunday to dispel the notion that he's unable to play in the NHL despite reportedly failing his training camp medical, commenting: "Haha failed physical? They (Leafs) cheat, everyone lets them."

The NHL may now be forced to do some digging of its own.

"We aren't in a position to comment right now," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told TSN's Darren Dreger on Monday. "That may or may not change when we know more."

Lupul is entering the final season of a five-year, $26.25-million contract with the club, and missed all of last season after not being cleared to play in training camp.

His injured - or, allegedly, "injured" - status allows Toronto to place Lupul and his $5.25-million cap hit on long-term injured reserve, thereby freeing up cap space.

Lupul can file a grievance against the team through the players' association, but so far has chosen not to do so.

He hasn't played for the Leafs since Feb. 6, 2016.

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