Music: {allcanada} Phaneuf signs seven-year extension with Maple Leafs

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

{allcanada} Phaneuf signs seven-year extension with Maple Leafs

Sons of Anarchy, Season 6 - Sons of Anarchy

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf on Tuesday signed a seven-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2020-21 season.

Financial terms of the deal were not released, but previous media reports placed the average annual value at $7 million.

"This is a very proud day for me and my family," Phaneuf said. "I'm very honored 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."

Phaneuf has 15 points in 39 games, leads the team with a plus-13 rating and also skates a team-high 24:21 per game. He's been captain since the start of the 2010-11 season.

"Dion is our team leader and has been a pillar in our building process," Maple Leafs general manager David Nonis said. "He has proven to be a very durable and reliable defenseman 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 was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Drafted by the Calgary Flames with the ninth pick of the 2003 NHL Draft, he was traded to the Maple Leafs as part of a seven-player deal Jan. 31, 2010.

In 639 games with the Flames and Maple Leafs, Phaneuf has 110 goals and 355 points.

How I Met Your Mother, Season 9 - How I Met Your Mother