TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have secured more of their Canadian talent for the 2017 season, announcing they’ve locked up pending free agent offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl to a new three-year deal.

Van Zeyl was scheduled to become a free agent on Feb. 14.

Van Zeyl, a 6-foot-6, 312-pound native of Fonthill, Ont., has played 123 regular season games and six playoff games in eight seasons with the Argonauts. The eight-year starter with the Argonauts is coming off of his third career East All-Star selection after starting all 18 regular season games in 2016.

During that eight-year span he has also been named the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman twice (2012, 14) and a 2013 CFL All-Star.

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“Chris consistently performs at an elite level at the right tackle position and is one of our most experienced leaders and hardest workers on and off the field,” said Spencer Zimmerman, the Argos’ Assistant General Manager.

“Re-signing Chris also provides continuity with our offensive line which includes at least four starters returning in 2017. He embodies what we look for in an Argo and we’re excited he will be anchoring our offensive line for the next three seasons.”

Van Zeyl has played in 17 or more games in four of the last five seasons, while the McMaster graduate has never played fewer than 11 games in a campaign.

He was originally selected as a defensive lineman in the third round (18th overall) of the 2007 CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes. He was converted to the offensive side of the ball upon signing with the Argos on September 5, 2008, and has since established himself as one of the league’s premier protectors.

“I am thrilled to continue my career with the Argos. I couldn’t imagine myself in any other colours,” said Van Zeyl. “I’ve had discussions with management and I am very excited in the direction of our team. I look forward to working my butt off to help return winning football to our fans.”

A four-year starter at McMaster (2004-07), he was recognized as a CIS All-Canadian, 1st Team OUA and Marauder Defensive Lineman of the Year in his senior year with the Marauders.