TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran center Michael Peca to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.

Michael Peca holds up his new jersey with Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson, right, during a news conference announcing the signing of Peca to a one year contract Tuesday, July 18, 2006 in Toronto. (AP PHOTO/CP, Derek Oliver)

The 32-year-old Toronto native earned $3.99 million last season with the Edmonton Oilers. After a slow start, he recorded six goals and five assists in 24 playoff games. Peca had nine goals and 14 assists in 71 regular-season games.

"My willingness to play in Toronto goes beyond being from Toronto," said Peca at Tuesday's news conference. "It's recognizing an organization that prides itself on wanting to win."

Peca, an 11-year veteran, twice won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.

"What we're adding now is some real solid two-way play, and a guy that's really going to help us be a harder team to play against," said general manager John Ferguson. "We're going to be younger, quicker and play a more up-tempo style."

Peca was traded to Edmonton from the New York Islanders last Aug. 3 in exchange for forward Mike York and a fourth-round draft pick.