This reminds me of the Jake Gardiner arguments I had with some of the same posters who are defending Willy now. The only difference between the two Leafs is one is a d man and the other is a forward. They both have tremendous skills, but both would rather give up the puck than taking a hit to make plays, or fighting for possession with any kind of physicality.
Both can skate like the wind into open space. They would go around the net if they’re allowed to, or pull up to get rid of the puck before they get hit. The only time that Jake or Willy is credited with a hit is when he turns his other (butt) cheek and accidentally bumps into the opponent. Jake was regarded by these posters as an elite defenceman, just as Willy is regarded as a elite forward.
and how’s Gardiner doing these days with no die hard Leafs fans to blow his horn ?