The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that they have signed goalie Ben Scrivens to a two-year contract worth $1.225 million.
The first year of the deal is two-way and will pay Scrivens $600,000 at the NHL level. The second year is one-way and is valued at $625,000.
"It's a big weight off," Scrivens told TSN. "For me it was a long summer. I've never really been through a process like that so happy to have that experience, that learning curve, behind me now."
Scrivens, who split last season between the Maple Leafs and the AHL Toronto Marlies, is projected to stick with the Maple Leafs as the club's back-up behind James Reimer. Jonas Gustavsson, who appeared in 42 games last season for Toronto, signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings this summer as a free agent.
Scrivens, who turned 26 on Tuesday, was 4-5-2 with a 3.13 goals against average in 12 games for the Maple Leafs last season. He was 22-15-1 with four shutouts for the Marlies in 39 regular season appearances and led the AHL with a 2.04 goals against average. He backstopped the Marlies on the team's run to the Western Conference title and a berth in the Calder Cup final.
"The whole thing probably went on a little longer than I would have liked," Scrivens explained. "Everyone wants to get signed. Mid-season is a great time to get a contract extension [chuckle] so to wait to summer, it as, cliché as it sounds, it is what it is. That's the way things broke down.
Scrivens said that Saturday's lockout deadline did not play a role in the timing of his new deal.
"I was prepared to sign a deal when I was happy with it, when I was comfortable with where the contract was going to fit into my development opportunity. I think it's just coincidence that it happened right now, but, that being said, I don't know how you cannot look at the deadline ... it's definitely a point you're aware of."
He also talked about the possibility of fighting for the Leafs' starting job at training camp.
"I don't make that decision. I'd love for that to be the opportunity I'm presented with," Scrivens said.
The native of Spruce Grove, Alberta was a restricted free agent and earned $600,000 at the NHL level last season.
