While there was great excitement at the prospect of getting defenecman Chris Tanev on a multi-year deal as NHL free agency approached Monday, the Leafs were able to keep winger Domi in the fold by concluding protracted talks on a contract extension.
Various reports that a new pact was forthcoming began at the NHL draft in Las Vegas and Chris Johnston of the Athletic reported Sunday the club and the 29-year-old winger reached an agreement on a four-year deal with an AAV of $3.75 million US. The salary cap web site PuckPedia broke down the deal with a $3.5 million signing bonus in the first year and a 13-team no trade list.
Domi has posted a movie clip to ‘X’ from Wolf of Wall Street where Leo Dicaprio declares “I’m not (bleeping) leaving!”, with a Leaf logo.
In his first season with the Leafs, Domi had 47 points in 80 games and is expected to get along famously with new coach Craig Berube.
After a slow start in signing a one-year, $3 million deal as a free agent from Dallas, he made the most of his homecoming where his father Tie is the franchise penalty minute leader. As both a centre and for some time a winger for NHL top scorer Auston Matthews, Domi gave the Leafs also some bite up front, registering 118 PIMs of his own. He had a goal and three assists in the seven-game playoff loss to Boston.
Earlier this month, Domi told the Sun: “I know my agent has been talking to (Leafs general manager Brad Treliving). Whatever happens will happen, but I’ve still enjoyed every second as a Leaf. I’d love to come back, it’s a special organization, a special group of guys.”
It’s a relief for Domi who has bounced around seven teams since 2015.
The Leafs made a minor deal Saturday for Tanev’s rights at the end of the draft, giving them exclusive bargaining power until noon Monday. Treliving has had an eye on his former Calgary Flames’ rearguard since leaving that team for the Leafs a year ago. The 34-year-old Tanev wants term, but in getting Domi and with a goaltender nd some restricted free agents to sign, Treliving also has to watch cap space.
lhornby@postmedia.com
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