He played a more significant role this season with the Leafs and his offensive upgrade is expected to attract interest of quite a few NHL teams.
"I've been through this quite a few times. I think this is my third or fourth time being an unrestricted free agent and I've always signed one- or two-year contracts so I'm going to approach it just the same," Crabb said.
"Obviously, you like to know where you're going to play next year. But hopefully I'm back here. And hopefully they feel the same way. Beyond hoping is basically all that I can control."
Crabb was selected in the seventh round, 226th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Although he didn't make the team out of training camp, he got off to a good start with the AHL's Marlies, recording seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in nine games and was later called up by the Leafs.
Following the dismissal of former coach Ron Wilson and the arrival of Carlyle, Crabb appeared to bloom under the new coach's style of play.
"He's done everything we've asked him to do," Carlyle said. "I think he's surprised some people with his goal scoring. He's killed penalties."
In 67 games with the Leafs this season, Crabb has collected 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points.
