Toronto, Ontario (My Sportsbook) - Free agent center Joe Nieuwendyk became Toronto general manager John Ferguson Jr.'s first major free agent acquisition, as the two sides agreed to terms on a contract Tuesday night.

Nieuwendyk, who turns 37 on Wednesday, played last season with the Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils. The six-foot-two, 205-pound Nieuwendyk tallied 14 goals and 28 assists in 80 regular season games last season.

The veteran center has played in a total of 1,113 career games, recording 511 goals and 501 assists for the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars and Devils. He captured a Stanley Cup with each of those teams, also winning with the Flames in 1989 and the Stars in 1999.

Nieuwendyk had been negotiating with the Devils, where he made $5 million last year, but was unable to complete a deal. The veteran center had made it known publicly that he was looking to come to Toronto to complete his career.

Throughout his career, Nieuwendyk has been known for his grit, defensive toughness, touch around the net and excellence in face-offs. He will most likely anchor the Leafs' second line.

Ferguson, who was brought in as the Maple Leafs' new general manager just two weeks ago, quickly filled the vacant spot in Toronto's lineup after Doug Gilmour officially retired on Monday.