Wed Jul 2 02:14:37 2008

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Toronto signs Hagman as part of busy day for Leafs

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Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Toronto Maple Leafs signed free agent forward Niklas Hagman to a four-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.

Hagman notched career highs in goals with 27 and points with 41 last season for the Dallas Stars. He led the team with eight game-winners and four shorthanded goals.

"We are very happy to add Niklas to our team and we look forward to him bringing his speed, grit and scoring touch to our lineup," general manager Cliff Fletcher said. "He's a scoring threat while shorthanded and he uses his speed to score clutch goals."

The 28-year-old Espoo, Finland native has 80 goals and 165 points in 481 career games with Florida and Dallas. The Stars acquired Hagman from the Panthers in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick during the 2005-2006 season.

He was originally a third-round choice in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Toronto was active on Tuesday's opening of free agency, welcoming veteran goaltender Curtis Joseph back to the fold and inking defenseman Jeff Finger to a four-year deal.