Why you shouldn't give up on assets

The year is 2011 and the Leafs were in the need for a frontline center.  They had assembled a nice group of forwards but were still somewhat thin at the Center ice position. This off-season was especially frustrating for me because the Leafs brain trust had managed to acquire a lucrative Forward, just not at the Centre position.  The deal made was former 5th over all pick Luke Schenn for the man drafted 2nd over all years prior behind some schmuck called Sidney Crosby. This man was James van Riemsdyk. This deal could be made because Brian Burke (GM and president at the time) looked at his wreck of a team and thought.

“We sure have a lot of defensemen, and not enough skill upfront at the forward position”

In laments terms, this is excess, or surplus. Too much of the same parts doing the same job, not enough space to employ them. So the deal was made. A durable stay at home defenseman for a whole lot of unrealized potential.

Its two years later and the Leafs seem to be thriving, strong positional play from amongst their assets has lead them to amongst the elite in the Eastern Conference (or whatever they’re calling it now). JVR has emerged as a key cog in the offense that ranks amongst the league leaders in goals scored. Then karma happened. Injuries to top two centers David Bolland and Tyler Bozak had forced the boys in blue and white to entertain an interesting idea, move JVR to the position they have long needed an elite presence, the Centre ice position.

This is why it pays to be multi factitive in what ever position you are employed at work. You may not get your dream job right away and I’m not saying JVR enjoys this position he holds, he may secretly begrudging this ‘opportunity’. Through Social Media JVR has at least emitted an aura of ‘everything’s going to work out” and even has poked fun at the level of media exposure this whole thing has endured already.

JVR need not fret though because other than maybe some points in the standings being lost short term, he really cant lose. If he falters through this experiment, time will literally heal all wounds and the two centers will return from injury, or a new one will be acquired to aid in filling the void.

Off the ice, this is a prime example to how social media has changed the reporting of sports.

This extends to beyond the instant reporting of a position change that could not have been reported as quickly 20 years ago.  Now things like fisticuffs or venomous banter amongst teammates is set for exposure.  Time will tell if this makes hockey players even more cliché when dealing with interviews post practice. New levels of sheepishness learned from the ability reporters have now too instantly report any and all colorful remarks.

Til then this is the 'Nation talking about the situation.