TORONTO, 13 July 2003 — The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signing of free-agent defenseman Bryan Marchment to a one-year contract on Friday.

Marchment is the latest free agent to sign just a one-year contract on the eve of expected NHL labor woes in 2004. The players’ union labor contract expires in September 2004.

Marchment, 34, played with San Jose and Colorado last season, scoring two goals and adding 12 assists for 14 points with 141 penalty minutes in 81 games.

“Bryan is the kind of player that can make other players keep their heads up,” Toronto general manager Pat Quinn said in a conference call with reporters. “We feel he has a lot to offer us.”

The native of Scarborough, Ontario had expressed a strong desire to play for the Maple Leafs. Marchment has played for Winnipeg, Chicago, Hartford, Edmonton, Tampa Bay, San Jose and Colorado.

In 814 career games he has collected 175 points (38 goals, 137 assists) with 2126 penalty minutes.

In other NHL news, the Vancouver Canucks re-signed veteran Brad May to a two-year, $2 million deal.

“It’s such a comfortable place and a great team,” May told reporters in a conference call. “This is essentially my third time back. This is home to me in the NHL for sure.”

May, 31, had three goals, four assists and 42 penalty minutes in 23 games with Phoenix and Vancouver last season.

He played in all 14 playoff games with the Canucks, recording 15 penalty minutes.

In 734 career NHL games, May has 115 goals, 140 assists and 1,800 penalty minutes. The New Jersey Devils also announced the retirement of defenseman Ken Daneyko.

Daneyko, 39, played with the Devils for 18 seasons, winning three Stanley Cups.

He scored 36 goals and had 142 assists in 1,283 career games. He is also the Devils career leader in penalty minutes with 2,519.

“I understood my role. I understood I wasn’t the most talented guy in the world,’’ Daneyko said at a press conference.

“But with a lot of hard work and dedication, you can fulfill your dreams.”

San Jose Re-Sign

Free-Agent Marleau

In London, San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau has re-signed with the team, the NHL franchise said on Friday.

San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said the club had also signed 2001 first round draft pick Marcel Goc to a rookie contract. Defenseman Rob Davison had also signed a contract.

Marleau, 23, posted career highs in points, goals and assists with 57 points (28 goals, 29 assists) in 82 games last season.

He also helped Canada to the gold medal at the ice hockey world championship earlier this year.

Marleau made his NHL debut in the 1997-98 season.