TORONTO - Mike Komisarek is about to see the other side of hockey's oldest rivalry.

The free-agent defenceman signed a $US22.5-million, five-year deal to join the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

He'd spent his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens and drew all kinds of interest after becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Eventually, the 27-year-old decided on a Maple Leafs team that should have a bruising blue-line after his addition and that of Garnet Exelby by trade.

Komisarek had two goals and 11 points in 66 games for the Habs last season. He also racked up 121 penalty minutes.

The American was an alternate captain in Montreal.