Leafs sign Toskala to an extension

Post #1 » by **Crowned** » Wed Jul 4, 2007 7:12 pm

The Toronto Maple Leafs and netminder Vesa Toskala have agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract extension.

Considering that guys like Mason are getting 3 mil per season, this contract is about right. I like the length of the deal as well, Pogge should be ready by then.

Post #2 » by **CPT** » Thu Jul 5, 2007 9:09 am

That's actually a pretty solid deal.

Now does that mean we have him for 3 years (this year + 2 year extension), or 2 years (this year voided, 2 year extension takes its place)? I'm always confused by this for some reason.

TR50 · Post #3 » by **TR50** » Thu Jul 5, 2007 3:42 pm

CPT wrote:That's actually a pretty solid deal.

Now does that mean we have him for 3 years (this year + 2 year extension), or 2 years (this year voided, 2 year extension takes its place)? I'm always confused by this for some reason.

yup we have him for a total of 3 years, this year under his current contract and the next 2 for what we offered

Post #4 » by **Crowned** » Thu Jul 5, 2007 5:46 pm

CPT wrote:That's actually a pretty solid deal.

Now does that mean we have him for 3 years (this year + 2 year extension), or 2 years (this year voided, 2 year extension takes its place)? I'm always confused by this for some reason.

His extension would begin next season. This years salary is a little under 2 million (from his original contract), and his extension kicks in with the 4 million cap hit next year.

Shaft443 · Post #5 » by **Shaft443** » Fri Jul 6, 2007 6:43 pm

why sign him now? makes no sense.... he is under contract for the next year. why take this approach with him, but not sign extensions for their own players before they expire? :-?

Post #6 » by **Crowned** » Fri Jul 6, 2007 6:48 pm

Shaft443 wrote:why sign him now? makes no sense.... he is under contract for the next year. why take this approach with him, but not sign extensions for their own players before they expire?

You get him locked up early, rather than allowing him to test the FA market next season...when teams may be in demand for a goaltender. By signing him now, the Leafs locked him up to a contract favourable to them, rather than Toskala (they'd be in a bidding war next offseason for his services).

The contract he signs doesn't kick in until next season, so there's no 4 mil cap hit right now. He has to complete his current contract, meaning he'll make under 2 million this season.

I'd much rather sign him now, then wait until next season and potentially lose him.