Michael Zigomanis given fresh start, signs one-year, two-way contract with Toronto Maple Leafs
Being one of the top faceoff competitors in the National Hockey League (NHL), Toronto Maple Leafs only allowed centre player, Michael Zigomanis, to play only eight games last season before sending him to their minor league affiliate team, Toronto Marlies.
He was given another chance on Tuesday, July 12, as he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the team.
The 30-year-old veteran will receive an estimated $650,000 if he makes it on the Maple Leafs' roster or $300,000 if he is sent again to their farm club in the American Hockey League (AHL).
“Everybody will be fighting for a spot”, Zigomanis said on Tuesday after the deal was announced officially, “and you never want to say it will be on the fourth line or as the extra forward”.
Zigomanis, a 46th overall pick during round-two of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Carolina Hurricanes, has played only eight games with Maple Leafs, in which he registered a single assist.
Prior to joining Toronto during the 2010-2011 season, Zigomanis played three seasons with his original draft team following a shift to St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Playing 64 games with Toronto Marlies last season gave Zigomanis a chance to impress the Toronto management. He certainly did, recording 14 goals and 33 assists for a total of 47 points, and ultimately led to Toronto giving him another opportunity.
“It was great for me to make it out of camp, because no one had pencilled me in”, Zigomanis said. “Faceoffs are such a big part of the game now and I’ve done a lot of penalty killing, so hopefully I can bring those two things to the table (in camp)”.
The Toronto, Ontario, Canada native, had a career high of 23 points (14 goals, 9 assists) during the 2006-2007 season with Phoenix Coyotes, in which he participated in 75 matchups.
Zigomanis will have to compete with Philippe Dupuis, who also signed a one-year, two-way deal with Maple Leafs. Both players will be contending for a spot on the top line-up during this off-season’s training camp.
It will not be certain who will play, until after the season begins, which will be the ultimate decision of the team management.
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