THE CANADIAN PRESS
CLARKSBURG, Ont. — Life goes on for Darcy Tucker.
While disappointed by his buyout from the Toronto Maple Leafs, which became official Thursday, the rugged winger is looking ahead, figuring a chance to play elsewhere isn’t the end of the world.
"I look at it as an opportunity," the 33-year-old said before teeing off at the Nationwide Tour’s Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic. "A door is opening for me here and there are teams out there that I think would be thrilled to have me in their lineup."
The Leafs weren’t willing to keep Tucker, his salary, or what head coach Wilson has referred to as a "worn down" physique around another season.
Sixteen months after signing Tucker to a four-year extension, buying out Tucker’s contract will cost the Leafs US$1 million a season for the next six seasons, saving them $3 million over the life of the contract.
Tucker, who "had an inkling" he wouldn’t be kept on with the Leafs, isn’t hiding the fact he’s disappointed to be leaving a city and team his NHL career blossomed under.
"Obviously, it’s something I wasn’t looking forward to, but it’s happened," he said. "And my family is obviously sad, because we’re going to have to pick up and move from Toronto. It’s been our home for eight years."
Tucker said what makes this transition most difficult is leaving his longtime teammates and fans behind.
"The toughest part for me is the guys I’ve played here for a long period of time with. Bryan McCabe, I played golf with him the other day. That’s the sad part of it for us is leaving our friends in Toronto and the guys that I’ve played with," he said. "And the fans have been great to me. I’ve been very fortunate to have the fan base supporting this hockey club."
Tucker had 34 points (18-16) in 74 games in a disappointing 2007-08 campaign.
"I don’t think anybody can question how hard I’ve worked for this organization or what I’ve given to this hockey club," Tucker said. "There’ll always be something in the pit of my stomach that wasn’t accomplished here in Toronto, and that’s winning a Stanley Cup, but … I only have fond memories."
