Joseph reportedly still at odds with fourth year

No one said the decision would be easy, but Curtis Joseph is still in a deadlock.

The Maple Leafs goaltender was still mulling over Toronto's final offer Saturday, according to a report in the Toronto Sun.

Joseph, who was on vacation for the past week, plans to return to Toronto on Monday, when the free agency period begins at 12:01 a.m. ET.

The Sun reported that the offer is believed to be a three-year deal in the $26 million range, but the stumbling block between both sides is a fourth year, which Joseph wants but the Leafs are not willing to offer. A source told the Sun that Toronto's stance on the length of the contract is "non-negotiable."

One of Joseph's deciding factors could be his strained relationship with Leafs coach and general manager Pat Quinn, but in the end, few sources think CuJo will get a better deal.

The New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings are the front-runners to spend some cash if Joseph decides to test the market.

UUUUUUIIIIIIII

Dat wir schon irgendwie klappen, toronto ohne cujo ist doch nur die Hälfte wert *g*
Außerdem, wem soll ich dann im Oktober zujubeln in Toronto?

*g*