from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

The situation has already turned awkward and seems destined to become ugly.

Not yet two full seasons into a monster seven-year deal, neither David Clarkson nor the Toronto Maple Leafs can believe where they find themselves right now.

Clarkson was nowhere to be seen when the Leafs ended an 11-game losing streak on Saturday night after being made a healthy scratch. That could soon become a trend with interim coach Peter Horachek hinting that he’s inclined to stick with the same lineup against the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

While it’s not unprecedented to sit a well-paid NHL player — Clarkson’s $5.25-million cap hit is tied for third-highest on the team — it is unusual to do so when he has this much term remaining on his deal.

“I don’t really look at the contract,” Horachek said after Monday’s practice. “I know it, I understand the political ramifications of everything that goes on. I have to try to push myself into just staying as a coach and doing what I think is best for the team.”

This is where it becomes tricky.

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