Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cobra
Well, it's been pretty well documented that Johnny's off ice activities include things that are not conducive to playing great hockey and staying in tip top shape.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BurningSteel
It pains me to say it but there is enough smoke around #2. I would think big ern would be all over it. I have heard similar stories from multiple sources that makes me think it's credible. Not sure it would necessarily explain the whole decline but probably playing some role.
Hope he gets it sorted before 20/21 season.
|
I posted this earlier this season, but I'll mention it again (mods can delete it if they think it's inappropriate); my buddy's girlfriend is best friends with one of the core player's girlfriends. She hangs with some of the players fairly regularly and I often hear stories about what these rich young men do on their time off. I won't mention names or what they do specifically, but I will say that the rumors about their being smoke are fairly accurate, and then some.
I also think that Johnny fits the bill of a player who is coasting along with just his talent alone. The league has been littered throughout the years with players who are immensely skilled, yet don't put in 100% work that a guy like Gio does. If those players ever put in maximum work off the ice, most could have played a couple levels or 2 above what they show most nights.
Unfortunately Johnny strikes me as that kind of player. Now years after being in the league, it's starting to catch up with him. The good news is that he's still young enough to turn it around and evolve his game. But does he really want to? Does he want to put in the effort off-ice to maximize his potential, when he knows he can simply rely on his skill most nights to get by?
A real shame because this franchise has been begging for a game-breaking player for years. We finally got one, and unfortunately he appears to have checked out this season. I hate trading star players with good contracts in the midst of their primes, but the reality is I can't see any way he sticks around past this season given how he plays when games tighten up. BT knows the team needs a massive shakeup.