"There are no bad days in Antoine Vermette's world. Given concrete skates, the Blue Jackets center would still find a way to keep a bounce in his step.

"We're pretty different in that respect," teammate R.J. Umberger said with a chuckle. "I wear my emotions right out there. I can't even try to hide them. Antoine, he tries to always stay positive. That's his way out of everything, to keep guys upbeat and always happy."

If ever there was a time for Vermette's attitude to wane, it has been the early stages of this season. The Blue Jackets are 2-9-1 heading into a game tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Nationwide Arena.

And Vermette, while he plays in every situation and contributes in many ways, has not been producing goals or points.

"When you're winning and the points aren't coming, you're fine," Vermette said. "When you're not winning as a team, and you're a player who wants the responsibility of carrying things on your shoulder … you want to score a goal or two.""