Basis of the argument is don't expect JVR to be a 30-goal 60 point first liner without Kessel in the picture.
"Other people have to step up." Nice theory and all but defenses always had Kessel as the focal point, I seriously don't know if JVR/Kadri can handle being the focal points of defense.
And other teams will know the Leafs are lacking in talent. If JVR is top of the scoring on a lousy team, other teams will still be interested.
Buffalo was the worst team but Tyler Ennis is a good player. 40 points with nothing.
Stepping up doesn't mean he has to (or can) equal the points he got with Kessel. How could he? Kessel vs. Bozak/Parenteau?
The title of this thread: is the time now to deal JVR?
It doesn't have to be.
Stepping up to be the guy used in all situations is what he needs to do. If he's a lazy floater, it will be seen. If he's working hard and the points are down because we are a bad team, that will be seen as well.
Now if a team like Jersey offers me Larsson or Severson for JVR, I make the deal. If not, we can wait.
20 goals and 20 some assist for 40 + points on a bad team while being a plus player is stepping up. And he will have value because if he does this, teams will know put him with a good center and he can produce more.