Tue Jul 1 19:09:48 2008

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Cujo lands back in Toronto

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Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Curtis Joseph returned to Toronto on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal to play as a backup for the Maple Leafs next season.

Joseph, 41, twice led the Maple Leafs to the Eastern Conference Finals during his first stint in Toronto, from 1998 to 2002. The veteran goalie compiled a 133-88-27 mark in 249 games with the club.

"Curtis will provide outstanding support to Vesa Toskala this season," said Maple Leafs interim general manager Cliff Fletcher. "He had tremendous success playing in Toronto in years past and we expect him to be a stabilizing influence for our team, both on and off the ice. We are really excited to have him back in our team's colors."

Popularly known as "Cujo", Joseph played in nine games for the Calgary Flames last season, where he went 3-2-0 with a goals against average of 2.55. He played in two playoff games against the San Jose Sharks in the conference quarterfinals and registered one win.

The 19-year veteran has a record of 449-343-90-2 with the Flames, Coyotes, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Oilers, and Blues. His 449 wins trail only Patrick Roy (551), Martin Brodeur (538), and Ed Belfour (484) on the NHL's all-time wins list.

Joseph has represented Canada in the 1998 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games and was voted an NHL All-Star on two occasions (1994, 2000).