Rumor: Leafs have won the battle for free-agent defenseman.

There were rumored to be multiple teams in the mix but it sounds like the Maple Leafs have won a huge free-agency battle.

Just days after the announcement that head coach Mike Babcock would be attending the World Championships as a scout for the Maple Leafs, the Leafs have reportedly finalized a deal with one of the international players who will be at the event.

Swedish media outlet The Expressen is now reporting that 23-year-old defenseman Calle Rosén will be signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs following the IIHF's World Championships. 

It has to be said that despite the report, the contract has not yet been officially signed and therefore we are classifying this as a rumor for the time being. That said, this sounds like a very solid report, and the Leafs may very well have a new defenseman.

[pub]