Leafs give forward Joffrey Lupul five-year extension worth $26.25M

Toronto, ON, Canada (4E Sports) – The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed top-line forward Joffrey Lupul to a five-year, $26.25 million extension, locking him through the 2017-18 campaign.

The deal, the first big move under new Leafs general manager Dave Nonis, will give Lupul annual salaries of $5.25 million, $5.25 million, $6.75 million, $5.25 million and $3.75 million. The cap hit is $5.25 million.

“Joffrey has proven to be a dynamic offensive player and since joining our hockey club he has fit in extremely well with our team,” said Nonis, who was promoted when Brian Burke was fired before training camp.

“His alternate captaincy is well deserved and, by signing this extension, we look forward to him playing a large role with the Leafs for many years to come,” Nonis added.

The Leafs acquired the 29-year-old Lupul in February 2011 after a trade with the Anaheim Ducks. Lupul then showed chemistry with All-Star Phil Kessel.

Last year, Lupul ranked second on the Maple Leafs in goals (25), assists (42), points (67) and power-play goals (8). He established career highs for assists and points in a season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

Lupul’s extension was the third signed since the NHL instituted limits on contract lengths in its new collective bargaining agreement.

Only the New Jersey Devils’ Travis Zajac got the maximum eight years. Lupul and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler got five years. Their cap hits range from $5 million (Edler) to $5.75 million (Zajac).

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