Joffrey Lupul - The Maple Leaf Curse

On Sunday January 20th, 2013 the Toronto Maple Leafs, and newly hired GM Dave Nonis wrapped up a deal with Leafs  star Joffrey Lupul. Lupul, in his second season with the club got the wonderful new year gift of a massive contract extension. He signed a 5 year extension  worth $26 million. Lupul has been in the NHL for a total of 8 seasons and has been riddled with injury his entire career. Of course, this leads to the Leafs signing him to a massive contract and completely ignoring the numbers. In a day and age where the salary cap rule general mangers' decisions, this one made no sense. Lupul was in no hurry to resign and the club could have waited, but of course being the Toronto Maple Leafs, they had to make the wrong decision.  Out of Lupuls 8 season in the league he had played 70 of the 82 games in only half of those wonderful years, while he was injury plagued the other 4. Lupul was acquired by Toronto last year and had a wonderful season. That was of course until he separated his shoulder towards the end of the season. He ended the season played 66 games and tallying 25 goals and 42 assists for 67 points. Going even further back on December 17th, 2009 Lupul had to undergo back surgery that could have ended his career. After his back surgery he was told he may never play again, however Lupul being the tough Canadian kid he is, hailing from Alberta he battled back. Still not knowing how long his back can hold up the Leafs still resign him to a 5 year deal, typical. Then of course 3 days after signing his massive extension deal Lupul takes a puck to the forearm and is out for a minimum of 6 weeks.  In a shortened 42 game season Lupul is scheduled to miss at least 1/3rd. Could it be the curse of the Maple Leafs or is it just management constantly making awful decisions. Being the  only team post lock out with out a playoff berth you would think something would change. Maybe that's just optimism, but none the less -  GO LEAFS GO

                                                Lupul with his newely aquired assistant captian