Maple Leafs Sign Mike Komisarek to 5-Year, $22.5 Million Contract

Leafs GM Brian Burke was not done adding some grit to his lineup after signing New York's Colton Orr to a 4-year, $4 million contract.  He continued on a few hours later, picking defenseman Mike Komisarek up from free-agency.

The former Montreal Canadien is not known for his offensive ability, but rather his toughness and defensive abilities.  Komisarek, an All-Star in 2009, paved the way for the Montreal defense to start the 2008-09 campaign.  He was known league-wide as a feisty defenseman who will not back down from any challenge.  Komisarek finished last season with 121 penalty minutes, which led the Canadiens roster.

With an average of $4.5 million a year, Komisarek is expected to be a leader in the Leafs' lineup.  Signing a player of Mike's caliber to this kind of contract is frowned upon by many NHL general managers nowadays, (notably Red Wings GM Ken Holland, who says that defensive defensemen should not make more than $3 million a season), but this could be a smart signing for Burke.  Komisarek could help further the progress of young Luke Schenn, which could potentially benefit the team for years to come.