SUNRISE, Fla. -- Defenseman Robert Svehla ended his 35-day retirement and agreed to a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who acquired his rights Thursday in a trade with Florida.

The Panthers received restricted free agent defenseman Dmitry Yushkevich, an All-Star in 2000.

The 33-year-old Svehla agreed to a one-year deal with options for two additional years.

"We gave up a good guy, but we feel we've obtained a quality player,'' Leafs executive Bill Watters said. "Anytime there is a transaction you have to give up a quality player to get one.''

Svehla, who announced his retirement June 12 following a contract dispute, has played his entire eight-year career with the Panthers. He's their leader in games (573) and assists (229).

The 30-year-old Yushkevich had six goals and 13 assists in 55 games with Toronto last season.

"We are acquiring a player who exemplifies the things we look for in a Florida Panther: courage, talent and a desire to play,'' general manager Rick Dudley said.

Trade talks began almost a month ago, Watters said.

"We sought the right to speak to Svehla's agent about him coming out of retirement,'' he said. "At that point, we discussed (with Florida) three or four players that might be compensation for Svehla.''