"It was very difficult in terms of money & duration": Ilya Lyubushkin discloses Maple Leafs' contract terms 'weren't acceptable'

By ARJUN B

Modified Oct 03, 2024 05:44 GMT

Ilya Lyubushkin recently opened up on his departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lyubushkin signed a three-year, $9.75 million contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1, 2024. He spent last season split between the Anaheim Ducks and the Toronto Maple Leafs after a mid-season trade.

While the Leafs supposedly expressed interest in keeping Lyubushkin, but the contract negotiations did not go smoothly.

"We couldn't agree on the terms. The club was interested, as always in such cases. After the season ends, there’s an exit meeting with the general manager.” Lyubushkin said through a translator

“They made it clear: ‘We want to keep you, and we’ll negotiate with your agent.’ But once negotiations started, I didn’t feel any strong desire from their side. They said they wanted to keep me, but the terms weren’t acceptable. Both in terms of duration and money, it was very difficult."

He was looking for a longer-term deal with more lucrative financial terms, which Toronto was unwilling to provide.

Lyubushkin said he was excited to join the Stars and fellow Russian forward Evgeni Dadonov. He said he also spoke with other Russian players who previously played in Dallas and heard only positive feedback about the organization.

Maple Leafs' bonding trip to Bracebridge

The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice in Bracebridge on Wednesday for a team bonding and practice session, their first time visiting the Muskoka town. Nearly 450 eager fans from local schools filled the stands to welcome the Leafs to the brand-new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre arena.

This is the fourth straight year the Leafs have come to Muskoka for preseason team bonding, but this is their inaugural visit to Bracebridge. The previous trips were held in nearby Gravenhurst.

Leafs coach Craig Berube shared his thoughts on the inaugural Bracebridge visit:

"It was great to have the team in this new environment, and to see the fans give the boys a standing ovation. We had a good practice today." (as per muskoka411.com)

Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney was thrilled to show off the new arena to the Leafs, in advance of its Oct. 10 grand opening.

“We were thrilled to host the Toronto Maple Leafs today at the Muskoka Lumber Arena for a group of very excited students,” Maloney said. “The looks on their faces as the Leafs took the ice was wonderful, and the energy in the arena was electric.”

The Maple Leafs stars also signed autographs for fans after practice.