Sportsbook Bee

Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Saturday the signing of unrestricted free agent Clarke MacArthur to a one-year contract for a reported amount of $1.1M. The 25-year old forward became a free agent July 21 after the Atlanta Thrashers bailed from the $2.4 million contract he was awarded in an arbitration.

MacArthur has this to say, "Obviously, I'd like to have got the arbitration-awarded contract. Whoever says they wouldn't is a liar but I just feel with the deal I did in Toronto, there is a good opportunity for me and I'm excited to get back to a hockey town." "I want to work hard and show I can play those minutes and earn that opportunity," he said. "I feel like I've had a couple years under my belt, working hard and now I'd like to have that breakout season and get going." MacArthur said he's not focusing on his financial situation, he just wants to justify the Maple Leafs' trust.

According to Burke, "MacArthur will add depth up front." MacArthur helped Team Canada rake in the gold medal in the 2005 world juniors and over the years have earned 44 goals and 44 assists in 208 NHL games. "We expect he will see significant time in the top six," added Burke.

MacArthur's deal with Toronto is mutually beneficial. It will give him a chance at a breakout season in a lineup where he should get plenty of opportunity while the Leafs can assess if they would like to forge a longer relationship.