The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly locked up defenceman Bryan McCabe to a long-term contract, a source told The Canadian Press on Wednesday.
The new contract is believed to be worth between $5.5 million and $6 million US per year over five years.
McCabe was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe celebrates a goal during the 2005-06 NHL season. McCabe has signed a five-year deal to stay with the Leafs, according to a report.
(Canadian Press)
The 30-year-old blue-liner is coming off a standout season with the Maple Leafs. His 19 goals and 68 points ranked him third among NHL defenceman. Both stats were career highs. He also led the NHL in ice time last season, averaging over 28 minutes per game.
The Leafs missed the playoffs this season for the first time since 1998. Most of the team's struggles came in January when it lost seven of the nine games that McCabe missed with a groin injury.
The signing means Toronto has both of its key blue-liners secured for the future. McCabe's defensive partner, Tomas Kaberle, agreed to a five-year deal worth $4.25 million US per season in February.
The move will also appease captain Mats Sundin, who said at the end of regular season that he wanted the team to re-sign McCabe.
In 10 NHL seasons, McCabe has 95 goals and 243 assists in 781 NHL games with the Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders.
With files from the Canadian Press
