TORONTO (AP) -The Maple Leafs re-signed defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to a three-year contract worth $3.85 million on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Colaiacovo, who has appeared in 73 games with Toronto, had eight goals and nine assists in 48 games this season. He was second in goals and sixth in points among rookie blueliners.

"He made some great strides, last year especially," general manager John Ferguson Jr. said. "He's got some real good upside.

"We look forward to having him as an integral part of our defense for the next three years."

In January 2006, Colaiacovo sustained a concussion when his head struck the boards following a collision.

He was the Leafs' nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. He was Toronto's first choice in the 2001 entry draft, taken 17th overall.