Maple Leafs' David Clarkson benched again, says it's a 'message'

Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Clarkson will not be in the lineup on Tuesday night for the second straight game, the player told reporters on Tuesday.

Clarkson and Maple Leafs interim head coach Peter Horachek talked for nearly 10 minutes on the ice Tuesday morning, a conversation that was described by reporters as "animated."

The Horachek-Clarkson conversation was fairly animated ... and lasted several minutes. Clarkson looks flabbergasted.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 10, 2015

Horachek/Clarkson conversation goes nearly 10 minutes. Clarkson didn't look happy at any point.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) February 10, 2015

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Clarkson was later asked about the conversation between he and Horachek and his benching.

"This was something where there was a message being sent and I’m sure everyone got the message," he said.

Clarkson also said he and Horachek were "just talking" and that he has a ton of respect for the coach.

The 30-year-old has scored 10 goals and has five assists for the Maple Leafs this season, with a shooting percentage of 11.1.

Toronto hosts the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

- Jack Jorgensen