The Hockey News: Headlines: NHL rejects Frogren contract with Maple Leafs but matter should be resolved

NHL rejects Frogren contract with Maple Leafs but matter should be resolved

2008-07-09 20:00:00

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs had hoped to announce the signing of Swedish defenceman Jonas Frogren on Wednesday but the contract was rejected by the NHL's head office.

"We are working with the NHL Players' Association to resolve the matter," said Don Meehan of Newport Sports, Frogren's agent. "We remain hopeful it will get resolved."

The league determined Frogren, 27, must be signed to an entry-level contract as a first-year NHL player despite his pro experience in Europe. The Leafs had signed Frogren to a standard contract.

Frogren, six-foot-one and 200 pounds, is a stay-at-home defenceman who played for Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League last season.

"He played really well at the world championships," Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher told The Canadian Press on Wednesday. "He's a physical, defensive defenceman. He can play in our top six next season."

COMMENTS (14)

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Trevor Mc Dougall Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:35)

Frogren's birthday is Aug 28th. So sign him Aug 29th.

Caz Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:33)

Tim P - The article originally said Frogren was 28 but it was corrected to 27 afterwards.

Jesse Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:33)

He's 27 now, but will be 28 as of Sept 15th

Tim P Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:32)

what dont you get.!! frogren is 27, not 28!! GO FLYERS!!

Maxime Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:27)

The more i hear about Finger, the more i'm lead to believe the rumors that Cliff thought the guy he was going after was John Michael Liles...i can only imagine the look on Finger's face when he was announced 14M$ for 4 years...Ever saw a guy's chin touch the ground?

Rick Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:25)

What is with the NHL??? The new collective bargaining agreement says any player 28 years or older (as of Sept 15) is not subject to an entry level contract. Why do they feel they have to change the rules everytime Toronto tries to improve their team??

Don Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:25)

The NHL office is out to lunch. If a player over the age of 28 cannot win the Calder cup for rookie of the year, how in the hell is he a rookie then? The logic is dumb. As I recall even Gretzky wasn't allowed to be a rookie when he joined the NHL. The whole situation is stupid and laughable, another botched thing by the Bettman and Co.

Caz Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:25)

Jason Williams would be a good signing for the Leafs. Then if they could get Justin Williams from Carolina, it could make for a great line with Jeremy Williams. Just imagine Harry Neale and Bob Cole trying to call the play by play action.

neilw Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:21)

Yeah, and so would Demitra. Anybody who has played more than 100 games in the NHL would help them. I think that is why the hired Nieuwendyk. Only sure thing in TO, besides being assured of a lottery pick next June, is that this guy's nickname is going to be Froggy.

Trevor Mc Dougall Posted
(2009-04-30 06:34:20)

Perhaps Fletcher should have a look at Jason Williams. He palyed for Chicago last year and is a UFA. 26 years old and can play centre and right wing. Groin problems kept him out but if he is healthy he could help.