seeing him struggle like this is beyond my comprehension. I dont believe he is dogging it, he's obviously suffering on the ice. I believe there are markets where a young guy can get away with struggling like this. Places like Mtl, Tor, Van, NyR, Bos etc are not one of those places unfortunately. Sometimes a young person is gifted with incredible physical tools, but not as gifted with mental fortitude. When faced with adversity, when he believes his season is doomed, his game is not coming along, his locker room in disarray, their game spirals along a maelstrom along with the ship. Thats when leadership comes in, thats when a revered coach can right the ship, a respected captain can calm his nerves. its not there in Van, Bo is good, but he is more a mature skill guy to lead the way on the ice type. EP has to slowly dig his way out of this one, his confidence is shot, he needs to get to dirty areas and have a few lucky bounces off his forehead. I see a guy like Kaako, Farabee etc going through similar struggles. Trading him is the last thing you do. he did not fluke his way to the first 2 seasons, that was a healthy room he was thriving in. This one is currently a sinking ship waiting to see who their new management team will be, all the while under the glaring attention from the local rabid media.