Toronto Maple Leafs: Joffrey Lupul Needs to Put Struggles Behind Him
The past couple of seasons have not worked out for Joffrey Lupul, but with the Toronto Maple Leafs dealing with injuries it may provide him a chance to turn things around.
Losing James van Riemsdyk for up to two months with a foot injury is a big blow for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his absence, they will need players who have struggled, to find a way to produce again for Mike Babcock.
More from Toronto Maple Leafs
- Maple Leafs Rumours: Half of NHL teams interested in Ilya Mikheyev
- Toronto Maple Leafs: How to address the goaltender position
- Leafs reward Timothy Liljegren with extension after breakout season
- Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell situation becoming increasingly uncertain
- Jason Spezza retires, joins Toronto Maple Leafs front office
Joffrey Lupul is one of those players who has seen a decline in offensive numbers the past couple of seasons, especially under Randy Carlyle and Peter Horachek (who coached half of last season).
There have been many factors that have also impacted Lupul’s performance, including injuries and not playing on the top line/powerplay unit. However, still playing top six minutes and on the second powerplay unit should not have made his point production decline as much as it did.
So what can Lupul do to improve his scoring? Babcock told reporters that he spoke with the struggling wingers about specific things that he can do.
Babcock: “Since he got back, it hasn’t gone as good, partly because you can’t skate the same way initially. Then by the time his skating gets good, you’re tight because nothing’s gone for you.”
Lupul missed five games with a lower-body injury, which has added to an already frustrating injury history. Obviously staying healthy will be key for him, but at the same time maybe playing with more offensive players on the second line rather than Daniel Winnik and Nick Spaling.
Lupul is going to play with Peter Holland who can produce offensively. Hopefully that can light a spark.
Lupul did speak with the media after practice, to discuss his struggles:
There has been talk about trying to move out Lupul’s contract. His $5.25 million cap hit is the most out of any forward on the roster and will not expire until 2018.
However, at this point the Leafs will have to find a way to make it work, because buying out the contract would not really work, especially with other buyouts and retained salary on their cap. As such, they will have to hope he can turn his game around and put his struggles behind him.
Next: How JVR's injury affects the Leafs
What are you expecting from Joffrey Lupul? Do you think he can turn his game around? Let us know in the comments section below.