Clarkson - 7 Years ???? Really Leafs?

[centrehice]

Wow, just got back from Friday coffee, and am stunned by everything I've seen today.

Alfie - Red Wings
Ryan - Sens

Clarkson - 7 years? Jaezus.

[30ranfordfan]

I think the best comment I've seen thus far (not sure where it came from origionally, twitter somewhere - was sent to me):

David Clarkson has cracked 32 points in a season once, topped out at 46 in 2011-12. He's 29. He's patient zero for the next lockout.


Clarkson is a good player. Perfect fit on any team's 3rd line, can play on the 2nd line in a pinch.


That he scored 30 goals once doesn't mean there should be much of an expectation that he will do it again. I'll come back to admit to being wrong..... but this is a guy that Leaf fans are going to be screaming about in 2 years, becuase after spending $5.5m for each of the first two season, he's going to have scored all of 35 goals (total in two years) and added maybe another 25 helpers.

[redwingsfan11]

Yea I was sort of surprised myself. I am a devils fan but in no way do I think that he is worth that money. I hope to be wrong because I am always looking for players to succeed. But we'll have to see how this pans out. Best of luck clarky

[aspencer528]

Shoulda just kept grabovski instead. IMO

[Captain Habtastic]

The money he's making is to be expected, all free agents are overpaid, but the length of contract is absolutely insane for a guy like Clarkson.

[centrehice]

That is the most stunning news of the day, except it's been usurped by the stupidity of the management of the Nashville Predators.

I've never seen such dysfunctionality in a 18 hour period by any team like the Preds have just exhibited. That poor Seth Jones and Pekka Rinne will see more rubber than a dead cat on the 401.

[Kessel_fan_87]

Hopefully Clarkson can live up to his contract. Yikes

[TheBoxBreaker]

I'm excited about the Leafs signing Clarkson but I too cannot see a good reason to sign him to a 7-year contract.

[Leafsman]

I agree Clarkson should not get this much based on one good season.

Grabovski signed for more than he will ever be worth and never lived up to the weight of the expectation that the contract put on him. He did not produce this year with decent ice time and his ice time was reduced because of it. He was rightly bought out because he failed to perform to level his salary demanded and childishly ripped the coaches and the organization for his lack of performance.

Clarkson may be traded if he underperforms...

[nhanna68]

Just goes to show the better way to build a team is usually through the draft, but a great pickup in Bernier for Toronto.