Maple Leafs Sign John-Michael Liles to Four-Year Extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman John-Michael Liles to a four-year contract extension worth $15.5 million. The deal will average out to $3.875 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 34 games this season, Liles has four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. He is currently on injured reserve with a concussion. This is a decent signing for the Maple Leafs, as Liles was having a fine year with the club until being sidelined with the concussion. He brings lots of offensive skill and mobility to the team's blueline, as well as plenty of talent to the power play. Look for him to continue to be a good fit on Toronto's defense for the duration of the contract.

Maple Leafs Acquire John-Michael Liles from Avalanche

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday evening during the first round of the 2011 Entry Draft that they have acquired defenseman John-Michael Liles from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The second rounder heading to Colorado is Boston's second round pick, which the Maple Leafs acquired in the Tomas Kaberle trade this past February. In 76 games last season, Liles had six goals and 40 assists for 46 points. In 523 career NHL games, all with Colorado, he has 68 goals and 207 assists for 275 points. He still has one more year left on his current contract. Not a bad move for the Maple Leafs, as Liles will bring lots of offensive skill to their blueline. He will also bring plenty of skill to the power play and some mobility to their defense. Despite being a bit inconsistent in his scoring, he should be a good fit for Toronto.