Maple Leafs "Not Close" On Extension Talks With Pending UFA

For the last several weeks, we've heard that there's a mutual interest in getting a new deal done between the Toronto Maple Leafs and pending unrestricted free agent Luke Schenn. But to this point, there seems to be a difference of opinion as to what it'll take to get something done. In fact, according to a report, the two sides aren't anywhere near an agreement.

"He’s not close to signing a contract with the Maple Leafs," said Vancouver hockey insider Rick Dhaliwal. "There’s work to do. They’re talking, but they’re not close. You never know. Luke might hit July 1st."

That's the date, of course, that Schenn will become a UFA if an extension isn't agreed upon.

The 33-year-old D-man was the Leafs' No. 5 overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, and rejoined his original club at the trade deadline this year, proving to be a force on the blueline for Toronto down the stretch, and most importantly, in the playoffs. He posted an impressive plus-8 in just 11 postseason games while playing top-4 minutes. 

But Dhaliwal reports that term and some kind of no-trade clause that Schenn is looking for seem to be the sticking points right now. 

The veteran is coming off a series of one or two-year contracts over the past several years, and is likely looking for more stability. He just finished up a 2-year, $1.7M deal. 

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