Leafs sign Peter Holland to 2-year contract extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to the terms of a two-year contract extension with restricted free agent center Peter Holland, the club announced on Wednesday. The financial terms of Holland's contract were not disclosed and have not been reported.

The big 23-year-old forward was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Anaheim Ducks for a package of players, including a conditional 2014 draft pick last fall (the pick ultimately became a second round selection when Holland met the benchmark for games played). 

Holland played in 39 games with the Maple Leafs, managing five goals and 10 points while playing third-line minutes behind Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak in the wake of the devastating injury to Dave Bolland. Holland came out roughly even in even-strength shot attempt differential (relative to team performance) and developed some chemistry with his most regular line-mate Mason Raymond.

In 143 games in the AHL Holland, a 2009 first-round draft pick, has managed 55 goals and produced .87 points per game. Those results would suggest that Holland has the upside of a top-six forward, a conclusion that meshes well with the form Holland flashed last season in his limited stint with the Maple Leafs. 

Leafs management has repeatedly insisted this summer that several Toronto Marlies players will get a long look with the big club this training camp, with Holland the prohibitive front-runner to grab a full-time job at the NHL level.