The Maple Leafs announced that they have avoided arbitration with restricted free agent defenseman Frank Corrado and have signed him to a one year contract. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports it’s a one-way deal worth $600K. It’s the second time today that they have reached a settlement before arbitration after agreeing to terms on a one year, $1.3MM deal with Peter Holland earlier in the day.
Corrado joined Toronto in early October of last season after they claimed him off of waivers from Vancouver. He seldom played in the early going and was a healthy scratch most nights but worked his way into the lineup towards the back half of the season. Overall, he wound up playing in 39 games for the Leafs, picking up a goal and five assists while averaging 14:27 per game. Corrado also played in seven games with the AHL Marlies on a conditioning stint, recording three assists.
The 23 year old blueliner was originally a fifth round pick of the Canucks (150th overall) in 2011. He made a name for himself early on in his career, playing for Vancouver as a 19 year old in their first round playoff exit. However, he never really gained much traction after that and spent the bulk of the next two seasons in the minor leagues. Overall, he has suited up in 67 career NHL games between the Canucks and Maple Leafs, scoring three goals while adding five assists.
Toronto still has one arbitration-bound player to deal with in fellow defenseman Martin Marincin. His hearing isn’t until Tuesday, August 2nd. The Leafs now have eight blueliners on one-way contracts for next season (soon to be nine with Marincin). Included among those are Stephane Robidas and Jared Cowen, whose health statuses are in the air.
[Related: Toronto’s Depth Chart]