Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
The Leafs Nation unveiled their fan poll results regarding who was the Maple Leafs’ worst free agent signing, and it’s pretty clear why it’s David Clarkson.
In the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise, we’ve seen hundreds of names come and go; some have left a bigger impact than others, but there is no doubt that some of the best have laced up their skates for the blue and white.
But with all the positives, there have been some faces who were brought in who didn’t turn out the way fans had expected, and whether it was a combination of a lack of playing time, lucrative contract, or a deal that handicaps their future; we’ve seen it all.
Toronto’s Worst Free Agent? David Clarkson, Obviously
However, one sticks out more than any other to fans and thanks to a recent poll we can confirm it.
The Leafs Nation put out a poll asking fans who they thought the worst free agent signing in the team’s history was and the unquestioned “winner” of the decision was former forward David Clarkson.
This comes off the heels of John Tavares being voted as the best signing, and considering he is likely ending his career with the Leafs while still putting up elite numbers; it was money well spent.
But for Clarkson, who came in with a lot of hype, he fizzled out just as soon as he arrived. Before things even started he earned a 10-game suspension for leaving the bench to fight in a preseason game.
Why David Clarkson Failed In Toronto
Fans were quick to sour on the deal, and it wasn’t long before there were calls to have him left off the roster. In an incredible feat of business savvy, the Maple Leafs were able to deal Clarkson to Columbus for Nathan Horton; a player who was basically already retired.
That was the only saving grace for Toronto, as they could end up saving all the money they wasted on Clarkson and at least recoup some assets back.
Clarkson skated in 118 games for the Maple Leafs, and registered 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists), 185 PIM, and a minus-25 rating.The worst thing Toronto Maple Leaf fans could do at this point is look at David Clarkson’s contract and expect him to be a perennial 30-40-goal scorer over the course of his contract.
Know this: David Clarkson has not changed one iota as a player. Expectations likely have, given the term and the money for which Clarkson signed.
What Clarkson does give the Leafs is a power forward who can drive the net and consistently score 15-20 goals a season and get 150 penalty minutes.
That’s a very good addition if you ignore the numbers.
Well, Clarkson never reached those heights in Toronto, and it’s never great when a positive about your style of play is that you’re off the ice for the majority of it.
We couldn’t expect Clarkson to score 30+, but we didn’t expect him to be such an incredible disappointment.
So that’s why he’s undoubtedly the worst free agent signing in Maple Leafs history.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
POLL
34 MINUTES AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 24 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs’ Worst Free-Agent Signing Emerges After Fan Poll
Do you agree that David Clarkson is the worst free agent signing in Maple Leafs history?