Maple Leafs sign Beauchemin - 7-6-09

Hopefully you didn't pre-order that Francois Beauchemin Penguins jersey.

The former Ducks defenseman signed with his former boss, Brian Burke, and the Maple Leafs. According to Sportsnet, the deal is for three years and a total of $10 million.

Beauchemin, who won a Stanley Cup ring in Anaheim in 2007, had five points (one goal, four assists) in 20 games last season. He missed most of the season due to a knee injury.

EN Says: It makes sense for Burke to bring Beauchemin to Toronto since he's familiar with the defenseman and he's exactly the type of rugged player Burke likes. But the Maple Leafs are starting to load up with defensemen and have not yet found a deal to unload blue liner Tomas Kaberle and his big cap number of $4.25 million . Additionally, this team is very light up front at the forward postion. There aren't too many players who are true first- or second-line forwards.

Beauchemin makes the Maple Leafs tougher, but not at a position of need.

(Photo: Photobucket)