Obviously, I'm not sold. We've seen this before.
Yes, he has played well so far this year, but I want to see that he performs even close to this level come Trade Deadline Day. Of course, I don't expect him to keep up those outstanding offencive numbers, or play all 82.
However, if he can continue to play with near the level of effort that he's giving Toronto now, and play at least 60+ games and net 50+ points - I'll definitely be off his back, as I'm sure many other Leaf fans will be.
Already the criticism has dropped from most (I myself have no complaints about him right now either), but how long will it last? That is the question.
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"It's not the way it's going to be. We have to be very, very patient and build this the right way. We have to go through a process. It may be painful. I hope it isn't. But we're prepared for all the bumps and pratfalls and potholes in the road ahead. I'm prepared for it anyway, or I wouldn't have come." - Ron Wilson, Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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