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Fraser To File For Salary Arbitration |
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TSN analyst Aaron Ward reports that restricted free agent Leafs defenseman Mark Fraser will file for salary arbitration early next week.
Fraser was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in February 2012 for Dale Mitchell and was an integral part of the AHL Toronto Marlies run to the Calder Cup Final. The former New Jersey Devil draft pick signed a one year, two-way deal with Toronto last summer and unexpectedly made the big club after playing the first half of the year with the Marlies.
The 26-year-old defenseman scored no goals and eight assists in 45 games during the regular season and was a tough and steadying influence on the blueline playing alongside Cody Franson and led the club with a +18 plus/minus rating.
Fraser played in four games during the Boston playoff series before suffering a skull fracture from a Milan Lucic slap shot.
The Leafs submitted a qualifying offer to retain Fraser’s rights as a restricted free agent, but the defenseman rejected the offer, as the offer would have limited him to another two-way contract.
By filing for salary arbitration, Fraser’s representatives hope to force the Leafs into negotiating a one-way deal, but if the two parties go through the entire process, it is possible that the salary award could be more than Toronto is willing to pay and may result in the Leafs walking away from the award.
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