Jackman signs one-year contract
Svehla's absence creates opening
RANDY STARKMAN
SPORTS REPORTER
Like a lot of Maple Leafs, Ric Jackman was chagrined at fellow defenceman Robert Svehla's departure for his native Slovakia. At the same time, he senses a real opportunity.
"It's definitely creating one spot that someone has to fill," Jackman said yesterday after signing a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs. "Robert was a big part of the team and was great for us. Unfortunately, we're not getting him back. It's his decision. Hopefully, I can step in and fill that role."
While Jackman agreed on a two-way contract that will see him earn substantially less if he can't stick with the Leafs, Bryan McCabe was still deliberating last night on whether to file for salary arbitration before the midnight deadline for Group II restricted free agents.
The team had made him a qualifying offer for essentially the same $2.85 million (all figures U.S.) he made last season, which would serve as a starting point for more negotiations this summer.
"We keep wavering a little bit," said Jeff Solomon, McCabe's agent. "There are positives both ways and we want to take our time. Either way, we want to settle directly with the Leafs and are working towards that end on a new deal."
The Leafs are also still in discussions with Wade Belak, the only other Group II player eligible for arbitration. Belak, who is represented by veteran agent Herb Pinder, was not expected to file for arbitration and is in line for at least a mandatory 10 per cent increase on the $770,000 he made last season because it was below the NHL average.
Jackman, 25, appeared in a career-high 42 games with two assists and 41 penalty minutes last season. He did not appear in the Leafs' first-round playoff loss against Philadelphia.
