In news that didn’t surprise anyone, David Clarkson won’t be starting the season with the Blue Jackets as he failed a physical. The team announced this today at a press conference involving John Davidson and Bill Zito. Clarkson, who was acquired via a trade for Nathan Horton, has not had a great tenure with the Blue Jackets. He has missed more games then he has played in and with it comes ridicule and scorn.
David Clarkson failed his physical. Will not be at start of camp. Will try to work his way back. JD notes his contract is insured. #CBJ
— Alison (@AlisonL) September 21, 2016
Clarkson has been a punchline for many and it isn’t completely fair to him, he is a guy who has done a lot in the Columbus community in his short time with the team. He was not the person who offered himself that contract, he signed what was given to him. While his skill has clearly left him, the hope is that he can recover and live a long, productive, healthy life. Clarkson had four points in 23 games last year and his possession numbers were well below his career averages. At times, it gets to a point where you don’t even care about him returning to the sport, you worry about the way he is able to live afterwards.
Clarkson failed to live up to expectations in Toronto and he will forever be associated with that albatross of a contract. This may be the end of Clarkson’s playing career and with it comes possible cap relief for the Jackets if they place him on LTIR (Long Term Injured Reserve). The business of the sport has players thought of as pawns in a chess set and as Clarkson continues to move towards an early retirement, it is a good reminder that behind every celebrated roster move is a player effected by the outcome.
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