Maple Leafs president Shanahan on Clarkson: 'I expect a big improvement from him'

The Toronto Maple Leafs had high hopes when they signed free-agent forward David Clarkson last summer, significantly higher than 11 points in 60 games. And so did Clarkson.

"It's easy to have excuses, but you go back to work," Clarkson told The Ottawa Sun on Monday. "You do what you have to in life. I knew what I had to do, get back [to positive habits]. That’s how you come out of it."

The $4.5 million Clarkson made last season irked fans and management alike, as the former 30-goal scorer failed to find the back of the net until the 11th game of the season and only five times in total. 

Leafs president Brendan Shanahan feels Clarkson won't repeat last season's disappointment. "I expect a big improvement from him. Anything that could have gone wrong did go wrong, right from the start.

"He’s a better player than [last year’s results]."

"Obviously there were a lot of tough breaks that went on for me, but at the end of the day, I feel great and I'm excited for what’s ahead," Clarkson said.