Joffrey Lupul on deadline: ‘Isn’t situation I thought I’d be in’

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be on the verge of a ‘scorched earth” rebuild, which would mean the purging of long-term contracts, which would mean players like Joffrey Lupul could be on his way out next week.

Lupul’s signed through 2017-18 at a $5.25 million cap hit. In theory, he’s a great complementary top six winger; in reality, he’s a 31-year-old, injury-prone forward who’s signed through 2018.

But there’s a market for him. He has a modified no-trade clause that lists 14 teams. It’s expected he’ll move on Monday at the trade deadline.

Not that he wants to move. From the Globe & Mail:

“This isn’t the situation I thought I’d be in at all,” Lupul said of when he signed his five-year deal.

“But I don’t think this team is as bad as we’ve shown the past couple months. I think there’s some really, really positive pieces and some young guys playing better.

“I’ve only read that it’s going to be a complete rebuild. No one’s come in here and said that we’re completely rebuilding this team. I would assume they’re listening to offers on everyone and going to take it from there. But there’s not much I can do if that’s the road they’re going down.”

Added Lupul: “I love living here. I love being a Maple Leaf. But if I’m not in the plans, I’m not in the plans.”

One assumes he’s not in the plans.

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