$27.5M deal from Maple Leafs leaves centre Mikhail Grabovski with family in Toronto-NHL News
A rather lengthy process of negotiations and talks between centre, Mikhail Grabovski, and Toronto Maple Leafs is finally ended and the outcome is that the player won an extension worth multimillion dollars.
Grabovski’s agent, Gary Greenstin, has confirmed singing of the five-year extension with modified terms, which stands fulfilling the demand of $5-6 million a year from his client.
He will earn an amount of $27.5 million over next five years, and has no-trade clause in the deal, which resolves the player’s problem of staying in Toronto with his girlfriend and children.
It was important for Grabovski to stay with Leafs as his girlfriend also comes from Toronto, and did want to move elsewhere and away from the family.
The player said:
"They know I love to play here. They do everything to keep me here. They believe in me and right now it's like starting a new life. I always want to be in a place where people believe in me and give me a chance to play."
He said of the deal:
"It was important because my girlfriend is from here, and for her to be close to her parents and family is nice. I know her, it doesn't matter where I go, she'd go with me, but for me it's better I stay here than go anywhere else. I like everything here."
His form and performance have helped him earn the status of most reliable centre in the team over the period of past two years, and he looks to improve his record further, apparently being satisfied with the approval of new deal.
Coach, Randy Carlyle, is particularly happy with the player’s performance, calling him to be a competitive player with a set of special skills. He also considers the player to be amongst the best on the ice.
Now with the possibility of his stay at Toronto Maple Leafs for another five years, both parties have vowed to work together and the coach-centre relationship is expected to strengthen further.
It is pertinent to note here that the stakeholders of the talks started the process in October 2011 and after having remained on and off, the discussion has finally found the common ground of the deal extension.
The process reflects the seriousness of both parties’ commitment to each other, as according to the player it was very important for him to stay in the city because of the family concerns and the team seemed to be equally interested in retaining him given
that he has proved his worth.
While playing for the side this season, the player recorded 45 points in 58 games. His two gaols and an assist in Leafs’ 3-1 win over Montreal Canadiens has become the brightest spot of the season.
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