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Kessel Trade Has Risks
by Paul on 09/19/09 at 06:38 AM ET
Comments (3)
from Damian Cox of the Toronto Star,
The Kessel trade, of course, fits with Burke’s make-a-big-splash-early history. He moved heaven and earth to land Chris Pronger for Hartford. He bagged the Sedin twins for Vancouver. Now he’s arm-twisted the unwilling Bruins into trading Kessel.
Of course there is risk for the Leafs, but arguably greater risk for Boston, which acquired Kessel through the draft just three years ago as a franchise-type player and may be unable to turn their newly acquired first-round picks into NHL talent.
The Leafs haven’t lost anything tangible yet. The Bruins have.
from Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports,
The Bruins, understanding his strengths and weaknesses, protected him. He instantly becomes the most skilled player on the roster, but the highest-paid one too. In Toronto, that comes with a target.
I’m not convinced that the enormously shy Kessel will be comfortable in the spotlight. A white-hot hockey market is not the best fit for him.
Will he discover the work ethic necessary to become a truly great player? And, can the Leafs find a centre who was as good for him as Marc Savard?
Filed in: NHL Teams, Toronto Maple Leafs | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Comments
I don’t understand what Boston was doing this offseason. They knew they had to resign Kessel. How could the spend up to the cap and leave him hanging out to dry. Then they’re forced to make a deal, and while 3 high picks is good, I’d rather have Kessel on the ice in a Bs sweater. Bad management by the Bruins.
Posted by Paul From Cali on 09/19/09 at 08:56 AM ET
I hate to say the obvious but trades are full of risk. Would love the crystal ball kevin is using. The Leafs have definitely improved their roster and while their finishing position is up in the air they have a better chance of finishing outside the top 10 than in it. Plus there is no guarantee the guys Boston drafts there will be NHL players. They haven’t even been drafted yet.
While this trade has risks I think it’s worth it. There are times you make a move with your picks to get a player and there are times you don’t. Glad we’ve moved past the time of going after guys near the end of their careers. Instead going for a young guy who can score is worth the gamble. There is potential for the playmaking centre position in Kadri or Bozak. Besides I don’t think he absolutely needs one to get the job done.
Anyways think the trade is fairly good for both sides. There is the possibility of top 10 picks on Boston’s side though I doubt the Leafs finish that low. While there is the possibility of Kessel continuing to develop and giving the Leafs the high scoring winger they’ve needed for years.
Posted by Dave from London on 09/20/09 at 11:22 AM ET
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How is Toronto going to make the playoffs? Those two #1 picks will be top 10 picks and definitely future NHL players. Bruins scouts have shown that they know what they are doing. More importantly the Bruins now have the cap room to sign Lucic, Savard and Wheeler next year. The Bruins have Sturm/Recchi this year. That’s about 50 goals to make up for Kessel’s 36 goals…..If this trade turns out like the Raycroft/Rask deal the Leafs are doomed. But hey they are used to that in Toronto
Posted by kevin from boston on 09/19/09 at 08:30 AM ET