Frogren expected to be at training camp

From Mark Zwolinkski of the Toronto Star:

Fletcher will likely have Frogren in training camp under the contract the two sides signed a little over a week ago that will pay Frogren $2.1 million over two years.

The deal – which reportedly came with a $700,000 signing bonus – was rejected by the NHL July 9.

Yesterday afternoon, after 5 p.m., the players' association notified the league of its plans to grieve the league's decision. The process is expected to be lengthy – the grievance likely won't be heard until some time into next season.

Frogren will be allowed to play under terms of the current deal until the standoff is settled.

Read the entire article here.

With the Frogren hearing not expected for a while, the Leafs will have a chance to see the player they signed at training camp. However, you have to wonder if the contract issue will be distraction for the first year NHLer. Especially in media crazy Toronto.

Is Frogren an entry-level player or not?

From Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star:

The dispute boils down transition rules between successive collective bargaining agreements, including the interpretation of the 2005 CBA's definition of a "free agent" contrasted with Frogren's status as a "defected" player under the previous CBA. "Defected status" was his official listing, resulting from the fact he had been drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1998, but never came to the NHL.

"It comes down to a question of interpretation," said a source close to the deal. "The CBA is relatively new and things haven't happened before where they've had to deal with it."This is one of those instances where they've never had a 28-year-old free agent signing his first contract. There's an interpretation issue."

Read the entire article here.

Considering Frogren was drafted by the Flames way back in 1998, I would tend to think he should not be limited to an entry level contract.

Leafs sign Swedish D-man Frogren

From AM 640 Radio in Toronto:

"The Leafs have reportedly signed Swedish defenseman Jonas Frogren. Sources confirm the 27-year old bought out the remainder of his contract with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League to sign a two year deal with the Leafs.Frogren was drafted by the Flames in the eighth round of the 1998 draft.He only tallied one point for Farjestad last season, but he is well known for his shut down style defense."

With Frogren/Finger on the PK next year is Toronto going to win their first Stanley Cup in 41 years? Nah!

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg

Update: This contract has not been finalized yet. In fact, the Leafs tried to sign Frogen to a standard contract, and the NHL told the team they must sign him to an entry-level deal. Stay tuned for further information on Friday...

Leafs looking to Sweden

From Tim Wharnsby of the Globe & Mail:

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a quiet day Wednesday in their attempt to fill out their roster through free agency, but they remain in the hunt for Swedish defenceman Jonas Frogren.

Two sources confirmed that the Leafs are smitten with the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder with Farjestads BK, who played for Sweden at the IIHF world championship in Quebec and Halifax this past spring.

Read more from Wharnsby here.

It appears the Leafs may have come upon Frogren while scouting Fabian Brunnstrom overseas.