Leafs keep D McCabe off market with five-year deal

TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Bryan McCabe to a five-year contract Thursday.

The deal is reportedly worth between $5.5 million and $6 million a year.

"I'm very pleased to be continuing my career with the Leafs and to be a member of one of hockey's most storied franchises," McCabe said in a statement.

"This team has the opportunity to win, and Toronto's terrific fans make it a great place to play."

McCabe would have been an unrestricted free agent Saturday.

He earned $3.458 million last season, when he was third among NHL defensemen in goals with 19 and points with 68. Both were career highs.

Bryan McCabe has 95 goals and 243 assists in his career. (Getty Images)

"Bryan is one of the premier defensemen in the game, and as a key member of our team keeping him in Toronto was one of our top priorities this offseason," Leafs general manger John Ferguson said. "Bryan is among the most skilled players at his position in the NHL. He also brings us valuable leadership both on and off the ice. We're pleased that he'll continue to be a cornerstone for our team in the future."

Tomas Kaberle, McCabe's usual partner on defense, signed a five-year deal for $4.25 million a season in February.

The Leafs missed the playoffs this season for the first time since 1998.

McCabe has 95 goals and 243 assists in 781 NHL games. He previously played for the New York Islanders, who drafted him 40th overall in 1993, the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks.