The Toronto Maple Leafs have locked up some of their defensive depth for the next two seasons, inking Calle Rosen to a two-year contract extension. The deal will carry an average annual value of $750K, and will take him to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2021.
Rosen, 24, signed with the Maple Leafs out of Sweden in 2017 as an undrafted free agent who had found success with the Vaxjo Lakers of the SHL. Making the NHL roster out of training camp he played just four games last season with the Maple Leafs, instead spending the majority of the year in the minor leagues with the Toronto Marlies. Though he struggled at times to find consistency in his own end, by the time the Calder Cup playoffs rolled around Rosen was one of the most dynamic defensemen in the entire AHL. His 11 points in 16 postseason games helped lead the Marlies to a Calder Cup championship.
The left-handed, smooth skating defenseman has played in the minor leagues again this season, recording 19 points in 24 games. That production has put Rosen firmly in the Maple Leafs plans going forward, especially given the status of two of their NHL defensemen. Ron Hainsey and Jake Gardiner are both unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, and the Maple Leafs might end up not being able to afford them given the big contract already signed by William Nylander and pending extensions for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The team might look at the blue line for savings, and a $750K cap hit provides that.
so long Jake. welcome calle