Leafs sign Liles to four-year extension

THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO -- John-Michael Liles is staying put with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 31-year-old defenceman has signed a US$15.5-million, four-year extension with the team, passing up the chance to test free agency in the summer.

Liles is in the final year of a contract he signed with Colorado that carries a cap hit of $4.2 million.

The Leafs acquired him in a trade at the draft and have seen him register four goals and 21 points in 34 games this season.

Liles has been sidelined since Dec. 22 with a concussion and is expected to return to the lineup after the all-star break.

In 557 career NHL games with the Avalanche and Leafs, he has 72 goals and 296 points.