UNO News Net: NHL Hockey: Maple Leafs sign Dion Phaneuf to seven-year contract extension

The Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that they have signed captain Dion Phaneuf to a seven-year contract extension.

The Leafs have signed Dion Phaneuf to a seven-year contract extension. Photos from the Leafs official twitter feed show the deal being signed.

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The Leafs have signed Dion Phaneuf to a seven-year contract extension. Photos from the Leafs official twitter feed show the deal being signed.

The Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that they have signed captain Dion Phaneuf to a seven-year contract extension.

Phaneuf, 28, would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Now he is under contract through the 2020-21 NHL season, with reports indicating the deal would be worth roughly $49 million. The Leafs locked up sniper Phil Kessel in October to an eight-year deal worth $64 million.

“Dion is our team leader and has been a pillar in our building process,” said GM Dave Nonis said in a statement released by the Leafs which had a photo of Phaneuf signing the deal on its website.

“He has proven to be a very durable and reliable defenceman in all facets of the game. He plays big minutes in every situation for us and we’re pleased to have him under contract for the next seven seasons.”

Phaneuf, 28, has played 39 games for the Leafs this season, and has 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists). The 6-3, 214-pound defenceman leads the team in plus/minus (+13) and average ice-time per game (24:21), is second in hits (102) and blocked shots (76), and third in penalty minutes.

“This is a very proud day for me and my family,” Phaneuf said in a news release. “I’m very honoured to be the captain of this historic franchise and to maintain the opportunity to play and represent the Toronto Maple Leafs for many years to come. We have passionate fans and a dedicated ownership group. I have great teammates and look forward to growing with them and achieving our goal of winning.”

The Leafs scheduled a news conference for later Tuesday at Michigan Stadium to address the deal. Phaneuf and his teammates will hold their Winter Classic practice there later.

Phaneuf’s deal has been a hot topic of conversation for Leafs fans, with some arguing that it’s far too much while others say it’s fair based on what the market is for defencemen.