TORONTO – There’s no way we’ve seen the last of Mike Komisarek in the NHL.
Not even close.
For all the negativity that has surrounded his hefty contract — and his inability to live up to it as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs — it’s worth remembering that the day will soon come where the 31-year-old will be freed from that pressure and expectation.
Komisarek was sent to the American Hockey League after clearing waivers Thursday afternoon but there is no reason to view that as a permanent move. The Leafs are almost certain to use one of the compliance buyouts at their disposal on him this summer and Komisarek should have very little trouble finding another NHL job at a reasonable salary.
“I believe that Mike’s a NHL defenceman,” Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis said Wednesday night. “It may not be a situation where it works here ultimately, but I don’t think you’ve seen the last of him in the league either.”
It will certainly help that the one position where NHL teams can’t acquire enough depth is on defence. In fact, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Komisarek will be called on again by the Leafs this season if they’re hit with a couple injuries.
In the meantime, he’ll assume a big role with a Toronto Marlies team that is looking to take another run at the Calder Cup.
“He’s very excited about getting back to playing,” said Nonis. “He’s talked about helping our young kids down there, getting his own game as honed as he can. I can’t say enough positive things about him.
“I think he’s done the smart thing for his own career, but probably the most unselfish thing as well.”
Most importantly, Komisarek has put an end to his exile in the press box and sought out an opportunity to get back on the ice. That is where he can make the strongest statement about his ability to play in the NHL again.
It would have been virtually impossible to envision this day when he arrived from the Montreal Canadiens as a much-celebrated free agent signing in 2009. The no-movement clause that came with his $22.5 million, five-year contract was a strong indication that the Leafs viewed him as a cornerstone piece for their blue line.
That never materialized
.
The success he enjoyed while playing alongside Andrei Markov in Montreal wasn’t repeated here and there’s no easy answer as to why. Injuries played a big role — his first season in Toronto lasted just 34 games because of a shoulder problem — and he certainly never had a partner as skilled as Markov with the Leafs.
And on some level there was always the pressure to live up to his contract, a weight that has been felt by an untold number of players over the years.
Now healthy and in fantastic shape, Komisarek believes he’s ready to re-establish himself. It’s just going to have to happen elsewhere. The Leafs have clearly decided to move on without him, which prompted the veteran to waive his no-movement clause and report to the Marlies.
“I know what Mike’s thinking and it’s probably the right thing,” said Nonis. “He’s thinking: ‘Who wants to pick up a player who hasn’t played a game in a long time?”‘
There is still one season remaining on Komisarek’s contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million (and salary of $3.5 million), although that will become moot if (or when) he’s bought out.
At a more reasonable number — say the $800,000 St. Louis is paying Wade Redden this season — there’s no reason to think he can’t still be a fifth or sixth defenceman somewhere.
To Komisarek’s credit, he remained a positive force in the Leafs dressing room no matter what he was dealing with. Even during the last month or two, it was rare to see him with anything but a smile on his face.
A healthy scratch in 22 straight games — and 26 of 30 overall — Komisarek spent many long hours on the practice rink this season and made a point of staying upbeat
“I’m working my butt off and waiting for an opportunity,” he told sportsnet.ca earlier this month. “Just being a good teammate, staying positive, that’s pretty much it. You worry about what you can control.”
On Wednesday, Komisarek took the morning skate at Air Canada Centre with the Leafs and was the last player off the ice. When he walked into the dressing room and saw a large group of reporters huddled around newly recalled defenceman Jake Gardiner, he broke into a wide grin.
“Jake Gardiner’s free!” he said with a laugh.
As it turns out, Komisarek is also free to move on with his hockey career.
He and Nonis maintained an ongoing dialogue about his situation throughout the season to ensure there wasn’t any misunderstanding about where things stood. With no trading partners stepping forward to take on the contract, it was only a matter of time before the AHL beckoned.
“It was a mutual decision, but I have to say it was more his,” said Nonis. “In our last conversation, he basically said ‘I want to play and I want to be in a position where I’m ready to play.’ Even though he’s practicing as hard as he could, he wanted to get in game situations and I have to give him a lot of credit for it.
“He could have easily said ‘I’m going to play this out this year and we’ll worry about it later,’ but he’s had a very positive outlook about the whole thing.”