Alex Kerfoot not satisfied with his production in a contract year, drops a solid quote on his struggles this season
It is no secret - Alexander Kerfoot has struggled to start the season. So when he potted two goals last night, even though it was against the lowly Anaheim Ducks, many in Leafs Nation were ecstatic. Kerfoot's struggles are also magnified due to the fact that many Leafs fans wanted him traded this off season to free up some cap space.
Kerfoot is currently in the last year of a contract that carries an annual cap hit of $3.5 million. Given his early seasons struggles, one might wonder if this causes concerns for the player regarding his next contract, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next July 1st. But the 28-year-old downplayed being in his contract year, saying that when you are struggling as a player, you feel it regardless of whether or not you are signed to a long term deal.
Heading into last night's game, Kerfoot had just two goals in 29 games played this season, meaning he doubled his goal output for the year last night. Additionally, and perhaps most shockingly, in this his fourth season with Toronto, Kerfoot had not recorded a two goal game as a Maple Leaf until last night. A surprising statistic given he posted 51 points for the team last season, only 13 being goals. To Kerfoot, it doesn't matter whether he has 8 years remaining on a deal or if he's in a contract year - he would never be satisfied with subpar production.
-Kerfoot on his struggles this season
As for Kerfoot, hopefully for his sake, his two goal performance can boost his confidence offensively going forward. As whether or not he would like to admit it, the money and term of his next contract are riding on his performance this season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 209 ANSWERS Alex Kerfoot not satisfied with his production in a contract year, drops a solid quote on his struggles this season Should the Leafs re-sign Kerfoot? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 22 % |
| No | 79 | 37.8 % |
| Only if it is a one year, cap friendly contract | 84 | 40.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
