Leafs Busy During Free Agency

Defenceman Mike Komisarek Signs Five Year Deal With Maple Leafs

Jul 5, 2009

Mike Komisarek, formerly of the Montreal Canadiens, signed a five-year 22.5 million dollar contract with the Maple Leafs July 1.

General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs Brian Burke has never been shy to elaborate to the media his intentions on what he envisions his club to be.

Bigger, tougher, stronger. Three criterias Burke has continued to stress over and over again.

On July 1, Burke continued his remodelling by signing tough guy Colton Orr shortly after National free agency began. He then shipped defenceman Pavel Kubina along with Tim Stapleton to the Atlanta Thrashers for prospect Colin Stuart and blueliner Garnet Exelby, who averaged over 100 penalty minutes a year with the Thrashers.

Burke didn't stop there. Minutes later, it was revealed Burke reeled in one of the 'big fish' free agents, signing defenceman Mike Komisarek to a five-year 22.5 million dollar contract.

Komisarek Brings Intangibles

The 27-year-old had two goals and nine assists and an even rating in 66 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season, while leading the Habs in both hits (191) and blocd shots (207).

Komisarek, 27, was selected seventh overall by the Habs in the 2001 NHL entry draft, Komisarek, a native of West Islip, NY, has 12 goals and 46 assists in 361 career games for the Canadiens.

"We are extremely pleased to add a player with Mike's ability and leadership qualities to our lineup," said Burke in a press release. "He's a respected competitor in this league and we know that he will bring his hard-nosed approach to our team on a consistent basis."

Fans expected Burke to lure a prominent big name forward to town on the first day of free agency considering the team lacks scoring punch. But Burke stuck to his guns, like he always does, and brought in someone known for having 'character' and leadership abilities, something this young club will surely need as they continue to develop.

Where Will Komisarek Fit In the Lineup?

As of July 5, Burke has a plethora of NHL calibre defencemen. The additions of Exelby and Komisarek immediately make the Leafs blue line increasingly more difficult to play against.

There have been reports that the the Leafs were in trade discussions with the Boston Bruins for defenceman Tomas Kaberle, but the team will likely hold on to Kaberle unless a high value deal can be found.

Leafs Depth Chart

After a busy first week of free agency, here is what the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline currently consists of:

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