Stajan close to new Leafs deal

Posted: Monday July 07, 2008 07:48AM ET

As 15 National Hockey Leaguers filed for salary arbitration yesterday, restricted free agent Maple Leafs center Matt Stajan is on the verge of a multi-year deal with the team. "We're getting pretty close," assistant general manager Jeff Jackson said last night. "Matt is on holiday in Europe and we hope to have it settled when he gets back at the end of the week." Stajan made $950,000 last season and is looking for something between $1.6 million and $2 million a year.

Toronto Sun

Matt Stajan, Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Matt Stajan, Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

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And the point of this is????? I know I'll be able to sleep tonight knowing this.

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With this signing,the Leafs will now become perennial Cup favorites.

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No Leafs fans in today to defend their guy? That's just sad .....

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He wants a $2 million a year, 3 year deal.

The Leafs will counter with a $4.5 million a year, 8 year deal.

He wants 3 days off to spend with his wife and new-born baby.

The Leafs will counter by giving him 3 extra weeks off per year, and an iron-clad no-trade clause.

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He ended up getting 2yrs @ 3.5mil. Not a bad deal for the Leafs. Stajan has the potential to grow into a decent player, if not a top-tier one.

All in all, I have to say I'm happy with the moves Cliff has made this offseason, with the exception of the bloated Jeff Finger contract. He signed and re-signed a few solid 2nd and 3rd line players, and cut out a lot of the financial cancers that have been plaguing the organization, like Raycroft and Tucker.

I'm also one of the few who is probably happy he decided to keep Blake for another season at the least. They are saddled with his ridiciulous contract anyway - might as well give him another chance to produce, since they'd never be able to unload him, and buying him out is just a waste of money when you're in rebuilding years.

Oh, and hello FN :D Been a lurker for months, and decided to join the ranks. I especially like the various tirades from Baun-ded, bgm, Spiny, Hank, joec, etc.

- Scott

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Stajan is an honest player, works hard and does a lot of little things. Certainly not flashy, but useful. The Leafs need his work ethic as they try to rebuild as young players are groomed.

Scott, glad to have you back....

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.......Obviously an important signing

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HEY McQueen give your head a shakes !
Stajan will never be a top teir player ! He's Just one of those dime a dozen third line guys that will probably see 1st line ice time due to the leafs having no talent .

Oh yeah great sign leafs ! (yawn )

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@He Rock

I worded that poorly. I meant to say that he has the potential to grow into a solid player, but not a top tier one.

I could see the guy being an above-average 2nd liner if his numbers continue to improve.

I know that making fun of the Leafs has major social cache around here, but it really seems so far like MLSE is giving Cliff reasonable autonomy to do what needs to be done. Permitting him to spend money buying out the contract of a Leafs fan favourite in Tucker, was a promising sign that they may be starting to "get it".

- Scott

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future captain of the leafs right here

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Thats awflul nice of you Eljay but I won't be captain of the leafs cuz they're terrible !

@MCQUEEN it's not about cache or anything it's just that they are terrible and everyone knows it !

Ps make sure to click the "Hot" button on the buzz meter about this topic !

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Nice Toronto FC avatar Eljay. I was disappointed to see that FN doesn't let you choose MLS teams for your "favourites".

- Scott

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hmmmmmmmmm.................. WHO CARES!

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leafs may suck, but they are building for the future. This will help

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