Toronto Maple Leafs' Joffrey Lupul realizes what happens the rest of this season is vital – not only personally, but for the team’s entire veteran core.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
His has become the voice of reason in the swirl of insanity and despair of late.
Joffrey Lupul has been in and out of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup again this season, especially during their season-killing tumble to the bottom of the standings, but in some ways that has insulated him.
More than most, he has tried to maintain some perspective.
Lupul knows he's on the trade block. He knows he may be gone tomorrow, or certainly by next Monday's trade deadline, and it's something he's been through before in his career.
But he remains adamant that the Leafs can recover from this, at least a year or two down the road.
"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."
Things are bleak in the Leafs dressing room. Some players are despondent after winning only five times in 29 games.
Many are following the toxic conversation around the team too closely on social media and otherwise, especially those on the trade block who are anxious to know their future.
Several are now opting not to speak to the press whenever they can, as they feel barraged by the negative comments.
As it can be when they lose, it's a circus in Toronto.
Even so, several want to stay. Lupul has three years remaining on his $5.25-million contract and isn't trying to get out. He has a limited no-trade clause that can help steer him to a contending team, but he'd rather stay and be part of the solution.
If that's an option.
If things aren't going the Buffalo route where almost everyone will be gone.
Lupul said he recalls when he landed in Philadelphia seven years ago, the year after the Flyers bottomed out with 56 points – the worst record in the league – and drafted James van Riemsdyk second overall.
A year later, they had the 11th best record in the NHL and went to the conference finals.
Things can change quickly in the NHL. He's lived it before. And that's part of why he doesn't believe the Leafs need to be torn apart.
Even if that is beginning to feel inevitable.
"I haven't had any discussions with anyone [in management]," Lupul said. "No one really knows where we stand right now. Probably after losing 20 out of 25 no one probably should.
"I love living here. I love being a Maple Leaf. But if I'm not in the plans, I'm not in the plans. It's not like I can talk by way back into them. Whatever direction they decide to go, I'm comfortable."