Everything changes when a hockey player gets traded to Toronto.
It really is unlike any other market in the world. When the Leafs are winning they're the kings of the city but when they lose... well, that's a bit of a different story. Forward Alex Kerfoot was sent packing to the Big Smoke last offseason from Colorado last summer and after a season in blue and white, he's certainly noticed the added pressure.
In a conference call with reporters on Thursday, the 25-year-old discussed the differences between playing in Toronto's market and detailed what the highs and lows have been like thus far. Kerfoot scored nine goals and 19 assists for the Buds in 65 games before the season went on pause.
From a team standpoint, it's been a whirlwind of a season for the Leafs. Despite inconsistent play, they find themselves in the Atlantic Division's third wild card spot in the NHL's current standings. But in regards to his own game, Kerfoot feels as though he hasn't met expectations yet. The Vancouver native's 28 points are well shy of the 43 and 42 (respectively) from his following two campaigns in Colorado.
Maybe it's the pressure of playing in Toronto or perhaps it's just from playing in a new city for the first time in the league, but Kerfoot clearly feels as though he has more in the tank. The lights are certainly brighter in TO.
(H/T Kristen Shilton)
