It looks more and more like Dion Phaneuf and the Maple Leafs are in it for the long haul.
Darren Dreger of TSN reports the defenseman is close to signing a seven-year contract extension with the Leafs that would be worth $7 million per year.
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Without an extension, Phaneuf would become a free agent after the 2013-14 season. He joined the Maple Leafs in the 2009-10 season via trade with the Calgary Flames and has since made his presence known in Toronto. He’s the Leafs’ captain and top defenseman, providing a physical style of play on both ends of the ice.
Phaneuf has three goals and 11 assists this season. He has 354 career points through 368 NHL games.