Leafs and Schenn begin contract talks

[Phil The Thrill]

Luke Schenn is the last significant Maple Leaf without a contract.

But finally comes word Schenn’s agent and the Maple Leafs are getting ready to meet.

“I would expect that we will be having discussions with the Leafs concerning Luke in the very near future,” Don Meehan, Schenn’s agent, said in an email.

If there’s one thing the Leafs like when it comes to deals like this, it’s secrecy.

“We don’t comment on contract negotiations as they progress,” GM Brian Burke said when asked for a comment.

Schenn, a restricted free agent, earned a base annual salary of $875,000 in his first three years in the league. But $2.1 million in bonuses took his cap hit to a shade under $3 million, which seems a good launching point for contract talks.

Schenn is part of a core of high profile first-round picks in 2008 that are looking for their second contracts. Others include Steve Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings and Zach Bogosian of the Winnipeg Jets.

Stamkos and Doughty — elite franchise players — may be in for big paydays.

Restricted free agents coming off their entry level deals, none of the 2008 draft class have arbitration rights.

Nashville defenceman Shea Weber is among 22 NHLers who have arbitration hearings scheduled. They’ll start on Wednesday and wrap up by Aug. 4.

The Leafs, meanwhile, signed forward Joey Crabb to a one-year deal. The 28-year-old added some grit when recalled from the AHL Marlies, playing in 48 games for the Maple Leafs with three goals and 12 assists.

Toronto Star

 

[Mooche]

Schenn is definitely going to be locked up by the Leafs. This shouldn't take that long for a deal to get done between the two sides imo.

 

[Buffalo]

Unless Scheen demands a hell lot of money

 

[Phil The Thrill]

I can see him getting like 3.5, for like four to five years.

 

[Buffalo]

Yeah, thats a reasonable price for him. Max I see him getting is a 4 mil contract

 

[H-MYK]

C'mon, Burkey. Get it done and lock up Schenn.

 

[illidan432]

Still not signed?