Mike Zigomanis Re-Signs in Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs organization announced a number of signings today, including the highly anticipated contract renewal of the Toronto Marlies’ leading scorer, Mike Zigomanis.

As time progressed with no news on the matter, there were some question marks as to whether or not Zigomanis would be re-signed. When the Leafs signed AHL veteran center Keith Aucoin a couple of weeks ago, it looked as though the 31-year-old Zigomanis may have become expendable.

The Marlies released the news via their Twitter feed that Zigomanis had been re-signed to a one-year contract on Monday.

He notched 19 goals and 61 points with the Marlies this past season and was once again a stalwart in the faceoff circle. He had six points in 13 playoff games and was a key component of Toronto’s run to the Calder Cup Final.

The contract is a two-way deal, which will certainly please Canadian hockey broadcaster Don Cherry, who feels that Zigomanis could be a contributor to the Leafs at the NHL level.

Zigomanis won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 2009 and though he didn’t play in a lot of games, his ability to win key faceoffs at important times helped the team in their quest for a championship. Zigomanis didn’t get called up to the NHL last season, but with the new contract the possibility is still there for the upcoming year.

The Marlies also retained the services of forward Will Acton for another year. Acton had seven goals and 16 points in 69 games with the Marlies last season. He is known more for his physical play than his scoring ability.

Free agent defenseman Dylan Yeo was also brought into the fold. He played last season with the Oklahoma City Barons, scoring 13 points in 48 games.

The Maple Leafs have also re-signed defenseman Mark Fraser, who spent last season with the Marlies.

The Marlies’ Western Conference winning roster remains largely in tact, and if there is indeed a lockout in the NHL talented players like Nazem Kadri and Korbinian Holzer will remain in the AHL next season.

Toronto is hoping to build upon their run to the Final last reason and their recent signings are an indication that this team is ready to take another step forward.