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The Maple Leafs didn’t quietly get into the hot July weekend.
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The Leafs announced Friday afternoon the signing of 30-year-old striker Calle Jarnkrok on a four-year deal with an average annual value of US $ 2.1 million.
While the contract seems a bit costly at first glance, the addition of the versatile Jarnkrok should bring a steady veteran presence to the third line, a style that probably makes the 30-year-old the good books of the year. coach Sheldon Keefe from the first round of the regular season.
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It’s a signing that should calm some of the fan base’s concern after the Leafs saw the departures of Ilya Mikheyev, Ondrej Kase and Colin Blackwell in free agency and the retirement of Jason Spezza.
Forwards Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Adam Gaudette were added earlier in the week after not being classified by Colorado and Ottawa, respectively, but Jarnkrok will provide more defensive skills and responsibility.
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After spending his first seven years in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, the 5-foot 11 and 186-pound split last season between the Seattle Kraken expansion and Calgary Flames, finishing with 30 points in 66 games. In 574 NHL games, the native of Gavle, Sweden, has 241 points.
So what comes next for general manager Kyle Dubas, who has rebuilt the Leafs goal with Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov, before adding front depth pieces and signing defenders Victor Mete and Jordie Benn?
Jarnkrok’s signing leaves the Leafs with less than $ 1 million below the limit, and Dubas has yet to sign striker Pierre Engvall and Rasmus Sandin, both restricted free agents.
With that in mind, Dubas still can’t make moves. There is still speculation that defender Justin Holl (a $ 2 million hit) or striker Alex Kerfoot ($ 3.5 million) will change.
tkoshan@postmedia.com
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