Nov 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Joffrey Lupul (19) during their game against the Washington Capitals at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs are ideally looking to move forward without Joffrey Lupul, but the injury-prone winger is still hopeful he can have a future in Southern Ontario.

As far as most people are concerned, Joffrey Lupul has played his last game in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. Just don’t tell him that, even though he knows deep down it is probably true.

Speaking to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, Lupul said: “I’m trying to get healthy. That’s my focus right now.”

It’s no secret the Leafs tried to move the winger prior to the trade deadline last season. Unfortunately, 14 points in 46 games and yet another injury played a significant part in there being no takers.

When asked by Simmons if the Leafs had been in contact recently, Lupul admitted: “I haven’t heard anything.

“I really can’t tell you anything. I’m just playing the waiting game now.”

You have to assume the 32-year old’s future was discussed during his exit interview this season, but he wasn’t prepared to elaborate: “That’s private. I’m not going to tell you that.”

Regardless, we find ourselves in a situation where the Leafs want to move forward without Lupul, but he isn’t likely to go along with this. With two years and $9 million remaining on his deal, his stance makes sense.

One way for the Leafs to get around this, is to buy out the remainder of the 2002 seventh overall draft pick’s contract. Another possibility is to take a similar approach as they did with Stephane Robidas, who remains on the roster, but is on injured reserve and shows no progress towards a return.

One big difference is that Lupul is likely to recover from his season-ending sports hernia surgery, although he is understandably irritated: “It’s frustrating.

“I still want to play hockey. I still think I’m a hockey player.”

Evidence of the Ford Saskatchewan, Alberta native’s exasperation comes from being limited to 186 of 294 possible games during the last four seasons in Toronto. He also saw his production dip significantly, after averaging virtually a point per game during his first 110 outings with the Leafs.

Overall, no matter how frustrated fans became by Lupul’s seemingly endless injury issues, he usually played hard whenever he was available. If this really is the end, there will always be regret that he never got the chance to fully take advantage of his potential in Southern Ontario.

Do you believe Lupul is finished with the Leafs, or would you like to see them keep him around? Whether it’s in Toronto or somewhere else, do you still think he can produce in the NHL? Let us know in the comments section below.