Maple Leafs defenceman Mark Fraser (left) keeps an eye on forward Clarke MacArthur during a rare practice at the Air Canada Centre yesterday. Fraser said he is thrilled to be able to contribute to the team the way he has so far this season. (MICHAEL PEAKE/Toronto Sun)
Mark Fraser woke up on Tuesday morning and saw something kind of strange.
The Maple Leafs defenceman, tossed aside by the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks in a span of 21/2 months during the 2011-12 season, was leading the National Hockey League in plus-minus at plus-14.
The secret? For the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Fraser, the answer is simple.
“I’ve always wanted to keep growing, but I certainly know my limitations,” Fraser, 26, said with a smile. “There is no reason for me to exceed what I’m capable of.
“It’s a compliment to Franny (defence partner Cody Franson) and whatever forwards we have been out with.”
Fraser hasn’t just been solid defensively. He also has been happy to drop his gloves and fight when the situation has called for it.
