Just getting to this now, from a couple days ago…

It would be a massive understatement to say that Michal Handzus had a rough 2007-08 season. In the first season of a four-year, $16-million contract, Handzus struggled in his first year back from ACL surgery, totaled 21 points in 82 games and occasionally got demoted to fourth-line duty. Handzus has had a major turnaround this season. He had seven goals and 10 assists in 37 games and is a playing a valuable role as the center on the third line with Alexander Frolov and Wayne Simmonds. Terry Murray, who also worked with Handzus in Philadelphia, had this to say about Handzus’ play this season…

MURRAY: “I really like our veteran guys. That’s not really to pat one guy on the back, but the veteran guys have been tremendous on this team. Because I have been in scenarios where it’s been a divided locker room with those veterans and those young guys, and this has been pretty special here with the players like Michal Handzus coming here and going through a tough time last year, recovering from a couple of bad seasons and just not being on top of his game. But this is the player that I know. Very dependable, a guy you can rely on in key situations and who comes through for you, time and time again.

“Off the ice, and in the locker room, we’re seeing and hearing a much more involved player. He’s verbally saying the right things and encouraging players. He’s been a great mentor for Simmonds. He spends a lot of time talking with him during the games, and you can see that in Simmonds’ development. It’s been accelerated because of Handzus’ performance. He’s just a great person, a great leader and an important part of this hockey club.”