Latest on Phil Kessel and Kyle Okposo, plus updates on the Sharks and Panthers.
Updates on Kessel and Okposo.
Will the Leafs trade Phil Kessel at the 2015 NHL Draft?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin is doubtful every NHL team is scared off a Phil Kessel deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs because of his contract, or by talk of the Leafs seeking a high return for the winger. Larkin observes the Leafs have sufficient cap space to absorb part of Kessel’s salary or take on a less expensive, shorter-term contract and still have enough room to re-sign Jonathan Bernier and Nazem Kadri. He also suggests talk of frustration at the Leafs’ asking price may be a ploy by a Kessel suitor to lower the return. While Larkin believes there’s a 25 percent chance Kessel gets dealt this week, he doesn’t believe there’s no chance.
POST-GAZETTE.COM: Dave Molinari reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are believed to have “at least a “kick-the-tires” level of interest” in Phil Kessel because of the lack of top-six wingers currently in play. Absorbing Kessel’s salary, however, would be a concern for the Penguins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kessel to Pittsburgh is a long shot. The Leafs would definitely have to pick up part of his salary, and the Penguins will have to part with a couple of their most promising young players. Kessel undoubtedly has value on the trade market, but the Leafs aren’t going to simply give him away just to be rid of him and his contract. They want a solid return, and if they don’t get it this summer, I believe they’re comfortable keeping him for next season in hopes improved play under Mike Babcock bolsters his trade value.
DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James wonders if the Red Wings should look into acquiring New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo, who is rumored to be available. She cites his value as a player and his affordable cap hit ($2.8 million) for this season, but also points out he’s a UFA next summer and could prove expensive to re-sign. “What it comes down to is figuring out whether Okposo is worth the risk,” concludes St. James.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. A Cup contender seeking depth at right wing might be willing to risk Okposo as a short-term pickup if he can help them win a championship. The Wings aren’t in that category for next season.
Latest on the Sharks and Panthers.
CSN BAY AREA: Kevin Kurz speculates there’s a “real possibility” the San Jose Sharks could have a blockbuster deal in the works involving one of their core players. Would aging veterans Joe Thornton and/or Patrick Marleau prefer to relocate to a team that has better prospects of winning in the immediate future? Was Brent Burns shifted back to defense last season in order to increase his trade value? Is Logan Couture still happy here, after he was critical of the team’s “not great” culture? Is Justin Braun expendable after he struggled in the first year after signing a big contract extension? These are all fair questions.” Kurz also notes the Sharks have the cap space to target a cap-strapped rival with an offer sheet for a top RFA player.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect the Sharks are more likely to pitch an offer sheet at a top RFA than to swing a blockbuster trade involving Thornton, Marleau or Couture. Thornton and Marleau insist they’re not waiving their no-movement clauses. Couture is a player you build around. Unless he’s demanding a trade, it would be foolish to move him. Burns or Braun I could see as trade options, though I don’t think moving either guy is a wise decision unless you’re getting a terrific return.
NHL.COM: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon said his team is open to trading their first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2015 Draft if it would land them an established scorer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Phil Kessel to Florida, anyone? 😉
I can’t see Kessel going anywhere, even if the Leafs lowered their asking price and agreed to absorb more of his contract. Any interested team will take the position that they are doing the Leafs a favour and try to hand over secondary players at best.
Lyle, you toss the idea of Kessel to Florida around but who do you think Florida would give in return? You know the Leafs will want one of their talented youngsters and those are the players they will not give up. What does that leave? Boyes? Bolland? Jokinen? Nothing much there for Toronto…
Kessel is a secondary player? On what team? Team Canada?
And I know he’s from Wisconsin, I’m just pointing out that he’s a primary scoring winger on any NHL hockey team.
I think he meant another team would try and trade secondary players for Kessel. I dont think any team would think they are doing the leafs a favour though. If you are a team that needs an RW to put up point then Kessel is your man. How many teams in the league have a 1st line RW that can almost guarantee you 60+ points per season?
Dan39 your going to look horrible. You do realize Kessel is Canadian right?
Isn’t *** Canadian.
Damn auto correct.
lol no Kessel is not, he played for team USA, he is american.
Jes, you realize it’s you who looks horrible…Kessel was born in Wisconsin.
I didn’t say Kessel is a secondary player – I said whichever team tries to trade for him will only try to unload secondary players on Toronto.
He’s one dimensional. No grit, poor defensive play, poor leadership qualities, pouts a lot. Sure he can score from the perimeter but that’s about all he brings. Doesn’t sound like a top flite guy to me.
Jeff, come on, I am so sick of this argument about Phil. Why does every player have to be a great leader? Why does every player have to be great in his own end. Do you want to know why Kessel “pouts a lot”? It’s because ever since he arrived in Toronto, like a lot of players (including Dion, BTW), he was expected to be a saviour. People expected him to be the best player ever, and whenever something goes wrong, it’s his fault. Every time the Leafs lose, Phil is criticized. Every time something happens or someone is fired, Phil is blamed. Are Leafs’ fans honestly so delusional that Phil and Dion are the reason for everything that goes wrong for this team? Carl Gunnarsson, Nik Kulemin, Grabovski, Robidas, Polak, these players have/had sucked for the Leafs. These players and their lack of any measurable talent are more responsible for Leaf failures than a guy who can score 3-40 goals every year and who hasn’t missed a game in 4 seasons.
I’m not sure you even know what you’re talking about with the reference to players who sucked. Kulemin had a season where he put up a ton of goals and slumped otherwise. He usually registered 15 goals or so a year and 40-50 points. Solid 3rd liner which is what he was. He also logged big mins on the PK. Grabo was good for the Leafs but does have a track record of attitude issues and has poor playoffs. Gunnarsson actually played better for the Leafs than St. Louis and Polak was a beast for the Leafs last year. Polak is what you would call a typical #4 dman who eats minutes and can play hard in the corners. Robidas was a complete dud from the beginning. One of those signings where everyone in the hockey world looked at it and said “Really?!!?” Forget the contract of Kessel or Phaneuf. Robidas is what did Nonis in.
You’re right about that stuff, but if he can be placed in a situation where he is not a central figure, where he isn’t considered the team’s franchise player (which invites tons of scrutiny), then he can play his game more freely without being complained about as nearly as much.
He wasn’t even invited to join Team U.S.A. this year at the Worlds. And “injury” wasn’t the reason nor could it be fatigue.
Perhaps George, Kessel told them that he wasn`t interested in going to the worlds before the invites went out. Maybe no real reason just didn`t wanna go kinda thing. You`d make a great reporter, what ever comes to mind print. Your comments yesterday come to mind tho, U remember them.
Maybe he did just that … then again maybe he didn’t. I just don’t recall anything in the media that even said he WAS invited.
I was being facetious, hence the “winky face” at the end of my comment.
Why so many negative comments about Kessel? That’s my job! Seriously though, if Phil was on a Quality Team where he was just another piece of the puzzle, he could flourish especially on an experienced Team that could keep him in “check” (no pun intended – we know he doesn’t check). Phil is not only a superior sniper but also has above average passing skills.
So come on guys / gals, stop with the chop job on him – oh yes, that’s another skill that he has – wood chopper !!
Just comments from people who have probably never skated without their father lacing up their skates for them. People need to appreciate the amount of punishment every player goes through during a game. And yet he is still one of the top point producers in the league. People use terms like 1 dimensional? No Grit? No leadership qualities? all those things are cheaper than goals and assists. Oh ya i want to spend millions of dollars of guys with grit… I mean Boston were able to win a cup with grit, unfortunately all that grit dries up faster than skill.
Phil Kessel to Florida makes possibly the most sense of any of the Kessel rumours. Of course, keeping him is probably what is most likely.
Kessel + 24th to FLA for the 11th + Bugstad and Jokinen.
Kessel will be traded Dan. Only Leafs player I think they’ll have trouble dealing is Phaneuf. Since now it’s reported basically the only team interested in him has backed out.
Kessel to Florida does make the most sense. The Laughs won’t get a top 15 pick in a Kessel trade unless they take at least $2.5-$3 million a year in salary.
There is no way the Leafs would hold that much salary on Kessel unless the return was of the charts. Do you even watch hockey? How can you undervalue Kessel to that extent?
I can see kessel to florida this way
to florida Kessel and prospect
to Toronto D.Bolland prospect and 2nd round draft pick
Toronto doesn’t have to trade him, so please explain why they would give him away?
To Toronto: 11th pick (2015), Rocco Grimaldi, Brad Boyes
To Florida: Phil Kessel
so vanek gets traded to the islanders with a 7 and change cap hit for moulson 1st 2nd pick. yet leafs need to add a prospect along with kessel to get a 2nd prospect and a guy we didnt want to give that money too originally. minus leafs giving the prospect and make bjugstad or barkov the return is fine. or keep the 2 send another prospect and change that 2nd to their 1st.
Grimaldi is 5’6″ 160lbs. Can’t see that happening. Not allot of 5’6″ C’s in the NHL. Hey Johnson 5’8″ 183 lbs & Gaudreau; 5’9″ 150 lbs are small but not sure 5’6″ is going to make it to the NHL.
Not sure Florida can afford to take on the cap hit this season. 60.08 committed to 18 players & Huberdeau & Hayes are both RFA’s.
That said structured properly Florida could make it work, they just need to get through this season then Jagr, Boyes, Thornton, Campbell, Mitchell & Montoya come off the books. What about Trocheck, McCoshen, Boyes; Salary dump to make the contract work this season, Florida’s 1st 11th overall for Kessel, Toronto eats a million per season for 3 possibly 4 years, & a 2nd; Pittsburgh’s, in 2016?
either put on a pair of cement shoes and jump of a bridge or don’t write ur thoughts….
CO on June 22, 2015 at 6:26 pm
To Toronto: 11th pick (2015), Rocco Grimaldi, Brad Boyes
To Florida: Phil Kessel
This is my idea of a deal also
Probably because he sees him the way many do (and, of course, tagged by those with blue & white blinders on as “Leafs Haters” because of it). And that is as a purely offensive talent who is prone to petulance, sulking , being streaky and a one-way wonder who admittedly pays little attention to conditioning and who would be in his mid-30s by the time his $8 mil cap hit deal expires.
But if you really think he’s that good, why don’t the Leafs hang onto him? Won’t they be nearing the apex of their re-build by the time he still has 3 years left on his deal and won’t they have plenty of cap space until then?
What is Patrick Kane? Do the Hawks win those titles if Patrick Kane is counted on like Kessel is? What type of player would Kessel be with Toews as his captain?
The ONLY similarity between Kessel and Kane is both are Yanks. It ends there.
Really? Have you ever watched Kane coast back down the ice? How hard have you watched him backcheck? Is Kane a pillar of fitness? You are just flat out hating on Kessel for whatever reason. IF you honestly think there isnt 20 teams in the loop on a Kessel trade you are lost my friend.
Oh I will add, I am not a leaf fan and I personally don’t very much care for Kessel at all.
I honestly do not think so. We’ll soon see.
“Fat, lazy, petulant, sulky, streaky, blah, blah, blah”
George, how many Leaf games have you watched over the past 6 seasons?
Phil Kessel
Games: 446 (as a Leaf)
Goals: 181 (6th in NHL over that span)
Points: 394 (16th in NHL)
I watched enough to know that I wouldn’t want him around any of my players if I was GM of a contending team. Not with that attitude. I may be proven wrong and he does get traded this summer for a boatload of picks/prospects – but if I were a Leafs fan I wouldn’t bet the farm on it. He’ll be on the Leafs bench come October is the way I see it. And I won’t be changing my opinion because you think I should.
What attitude does Kessel have and how would this attitude affect the players around him ?
George, you’re a Sens fan right?
Phil Kessel vs Sens ( as a Leaf):
GP: 31
G: 18
A: 21
Pts: 39
Hat tricks: 2
Btw, if that’s how you describe Kessel, how would you describe Bobby Ryan? 18G, $7.25M per year, second line winger, couldn’t spell ‘intensity?’
sorry george but ur an idiot……put kessel on chicago and see how insane his numbers become….put kane on the leafs give him bozak and lets see if he can break 20 goals…..kane on chicago has a world class 2 way center who back-checks and a defence that dream are made off that let him roam free in the offencive zone and what? he make 10mil……dude stop drinking before the games.
Isn’t cyber courage a blast Adam? even pipsqueaks can toss out insults without fear.
Nothing will be harmed in the Leafs rebuild if they don’t trade Kessel. Yeah he could get injured but I would risk that not happening. He hasn’t missed a game in the last 5 years. If the Leafs don’t get something they like this year. They can hold on to him. His production isn’t likely to fall off much more than it has. I would bet on a bounce back year. They can then move him next year with one less season on that hugely expensive contract. Of Coarse an improved Kessel on your team will likely result finishing higher in the standings. Yet he did little last year for their position in the standings. That was some nose dive.
Plus I am curious to see what happens between Babcock and Kessel – because it is now written all over the wall that Babcock will outlast Kessel should the situation turn into one where there is a strong conflict between the two. This could be the ‘I see the light’ moment for Kessel. (fancy thinking I know)
And if he doesn’t respond to Babcock’s approach, how do you think a trade will take place then?
Probably right George the Leafs should probably start thinking buy out…or maybe Kessel should retire while he can save some fqce and go play in the KHL.
Sarcasm is understood. But we’ll see about midway through next season where things stand re Kessel and Babcock. I’m looking forward to shoving sarcasm and insults down certain throats. The difference between you and those who like to toss out gratuitous insults and me is, I will openly own up to it if I am proven wrong regarding all I’ve said about Kessel. Will you?
“…unless they take at least $2.5-$3 million a year in salary…”
Are you insane or simply right out stupid!?
Top 5 in goals scored last few years (behind Crosby, Ovechkin, Perry and I believe Stamkos)
Played in his 9 years 668 games out of 704 (durability)
Played on a weak team, without true #1 center, scored 25 goals in his ‘off’ year…
His performance against Boston in playoffs (few years back) more than acceptable (4G, 2A, 6PTS/7 Games)
Crosby $8.7 mil/season cap hit (going into 3 year (signed while back))
Ovechkin $9.5 mil/season cap hit (going into 7 year(signed while back))
Perry $8.6 mil/season cap hit (going into 6 year (signed while back))
Stamkos $7.5 mil/season cap hit (going into last year, expected to resign at ~$12.5 mil)
Toews $10.5 mil/season cap hit (going into first year of 8)
Kane $10.5 mil/season cap hit (going into first year of 8)
———————————————————-
Read more here:
http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kesseph01.html
———————————————————-
Simply put:
You can’t get hockey player of that caliber on a long term deal for much less that $8 mil/season, in 2-3 years when cap goes up to 75-80 mil range, $8 mil will be low impact salary (for an elite player), Toews, Kane, & Stamkos are 14-15% elite players and that means only one thing, likes of McDavid will be signing contracts in the range of $12 mil/season in few years (3-5 years from now), so $8 mil/per looks pretty good
Do research first on top 25+ players over the last 5-9 years, compare production, durability, salaries, before making comments in regards to player salary and/or contract
Cheers!
Jes, what makes you an experienced GM or capologist? The Leafs will NOT TAKE BACK SALARY on his contract for a Phil Kessel deal. What will happen is they will take players with crappy contracts with less $ commitment and a shorter term such as Weiss in Detroit or Semin in Carolina.
(Only examples of bad contracts)
Bjugstad is going NOWHERE. Tallon would be a complete moron to trade a 22 year old 6’6″ centerman who is just coming off a breakout year, for Phil Kessel. And before you say ” but its Kessel who scores 30 goals every year”, Bjugstad scored one less goal than Kessel last year in 10 less games.
Agreed top line Centres aren’t easy to come buy. Bjugstad has all the hallmarks of a future top line Centre. Perhaps the Leafs could convince florida to give up Huberdeau. First they have to convince Kessel to add Florida to his trade list. I’m not sure why he wouldn’t want to go their. Florida seems to me to be a team on the rise. They only just barely missed the playoffs this year.
Come June 30th (I believe), Kessel can submit a new list of 8 teams he’s willing to accept a trade to, I fully expect Florida to be on his new list.
That’s the worst idea. Kessel isn’t going to leave Toronto just to go to Florida. I guarantee he ends up on a cup contending team. Otherwise he isn’t going any where. Kessel to DC baby.
Seriously….I think Huberdeau is the one that goes along with the 1st…outright and leafs might send another cheaper D and take back Brian Campbell for a year
Hey Spec and readers longtime.
But ya an offersheet by the Sharks isn’t more likely than them trading one of Thornton or Marleau. One will be gone this off season. IMO they have to get rid of Thornton just because of his rocket relationship with the GM.
Offer sheets are hardly used in the NHL so I don’t think they will make any type of pitch like that. Burns and Cotoure are staying no matter what. I see Pavelski, Thornton and Marleau on the trade block.
They can be on the trade block all you want, for all to see. Yet if they invoke their no trade clauses that block means nothing.
Marleau and Thornton have stated multiple times now that there not waiving their no-trade clauses, Sharks can have them on the trade block all they want but its all moot if they refuse to waive anything.
If there is a “blockbuster” trade in the works, Couture is most likely to be moved from that group. Maybe throw in a Wingels and or Braun.
Agreed that Couture could be moved…his comments seem to demonstrate that he has some frustration in the dressing room IMO. Maybe the Sharks and Leafs could look a blockbuster pkg deal that involves Kessel + Bernier + 24th for Couture and Wingels/Braun? The numbers would work and I have a feeling Thorton and Kessel would get along well…
Don’t see that happening. Leaves Sharks w/o true 2nd line center. I’d like to say Malkin 4 Couture, Braun & 1st, but doubt that will happen. SJ still interested in Bernier, especially if Talbot doesn’t work out.
Thorton and Pavelski can play 1/2C role just fine. Hertl is also capable of playing C…just saying…
I think Kessel would be a good fit in Vancouver. Vancouver seems like the ideal fit. Their core players are getting older (Bieksa, Burrows, Hamhuis, Miller, the Sedins), and the Canucks have one or two years left before those players are too old and Vancouver needs to tear down and rebuild.
NOTE! Since we don’t have capgeek any longer, I don’t know how the cap numbers play out for Vancouver.
Vancouver is in cap hell, but it very rarely gets talked about with the other teams like Chicago, Boston and LA. Canucks have $5 million in cap space with only 17 players signed, according to generalfanager.com.
If they bring kessel in they could move out Vrbata. But with Vrbata who is good for 30 goals I don’t know why they would go for the more expensive Kessel.
I think Vancouver needs to start bringing in yourth with the Sedins aging. They also need to bring in size. I actually think despite the animosity between the Canucks and Bruins due to their playoff series, that Lucic would be a good fit on their 2nd line. Oh what fun that would be. They need size and meanness in my opinion they have the finesse and scoring that Kessel would bring.
While I have no problem with the idea of Kessel to Vancouver (lord knows they could use another goal scorer), I can’t see it happening. Benning has already said he’s not interested in trading picks and prospects, and is in fact looking to acquire more. It would be interesting though. As for CapGeek, I think you can use NHLNumbers as a substitute.
Please no. The rebuild is already on as 4-5 rookies will join the team next season — Markstrom, Baertschi, Corrado, and Clendening are all waivers-eligible, and perhaps one or more of Virtanen, Gaunce, and Grenier will make it as well.
This site offers the same features as capgeek and it’s a lot of fun as well. https://www.hockeyscap.com/armchair-gm/
Larkin is repeating what everyone else knows – the contract is the issue with Kessel. Somebody will have to be able to fit Phil under their cap for years OR the Leafs will need to eat salary/bad contract back OR Tronna will take less for Phil just to get him out of Tronna. Keep him
Okposo – wonder what Johnny T sez about the possibility of his buddy being shipped out of Brooklyn? Makes little sense to me, he’s really played well with Tavaras. Let’s hope Garth doesn’t get real stupid and have a Milbury Moment.
Who knows but I am sure Isle management will be ok with trying Strome or Brock Nelson on Tavares wing.
Totally off topic but with Ottawa’s desire for a top 6 forward does anyone think they may sneak in on the M. Koivu rumours.
I still think Ottawa needs to find a top Centremen and they seem to be rare these days and the best bet is to draft one.
If Dubnyk doesn’t sign in Minni, Would Anderson or Lehner draw Minni’s eye? Would Koivu be a good fit for the Sens. Is Kiovu even worth trading for, being 32? Does Ottawa truly think Turris is a number 1 and Zabenijad a solid number 2? could Zbad and/or Lazar move up on the wings. Does Ottawa have anything to offer Minni if a goalie isn’t desired by them?
Perhaps a block buster can be made. With multiple assets going both ways. You know Koivu and Spurgeon to ottawa for Lehner and Ottawa’s trash, draft pick and young player. Haha.
Just reading hockey news round the web and abusing Lyle’s site to think out loud. Haha, Can anyone see this working out in anyway or am I simply looney.
Cheers all.
To answer your comment. No.
I think mikko is aging a bit and it would be put in question wether he’s good for a number 1 spot anymore.
I’m not sure if you are the type of fan that expects a PPG number 1 centre but those don’t come around and aren’t really needed anymore in the NHL. Heck, As much as spezza could put up points he was inept at being a 1C because his compete in other areas was piss poor. Ottawa is developing 3 scoring lines right now and their needs really lie at LW. Also I think it’s easy to confuse which line is their top line. I think right now turris and zib are both good centres but you might see zib taking the 1C spot this year. Especially if BM can find a decent LW for him to play with and Bobby can come back and start scoring 30+.
I’m hoping the sens can package something with a goalie to get that top line LW. That’s the hope.
I have no idea how talbot ended up getting that top spot on the trade watch (probably lower asking price) but when he gets moved it will be ottawa’s turn. Something will happen, might have to wait till after the draft but that might be to ottawa’s benefit as picks will lose a little of their instant value and a return might be better.
I’m a realist, I don’t expect a ppg top line Centre but I do covet one. I am happy with a top line centre that can reach 70-80 points like a Kopitar. Turris is in the 60 point range. He is an awesome 2nd line centre but I do think with Bobbi Ryan’s scoring struggles a top line Centre would be very help. However I do see the need at left wing.
I am just having fun speculating and wondering if certain rumoured players to be on the move could be of interest to Ottawa and if they should be.
I do hope Zabinejad makes the step to top line centre. Turris’s value is being able to play a defensive game while still being productive offensively. His abilities are more suitable for a number 2.
I think most teams would want a 80 point / 70 point 1st/2nd line center. But I think it’s pretty unrealistic. Outside of Crosby Malkin, Stamkos, Johnson , Last years Thornton/Pavelski. It doesn’t happen often. And when it does, most of these type of teams are either outside looking in to the playoffs. Or done early in the playoffs. I think depth is more important than 2 superstar centers. ….Just my opinion.
I could see Kessel going to Florida, New Jersey, Carolina, Buffalo, Islanders in the East or Arizona, Colorado and San Jose in the West. Everyone of those teams need a major upgrade on RW and could make the dollars work. I do not think any of those teams are on Kessels trade to list, but all the teams that are pretty much cannot fit him under the cap, or already have what he could offer. My money would be on New Jersey, Florida or San Jose.
Murph, that will never be reality because those teams will *not* be on his approved list, except perhaps San Jose and maybe the Islanders.
Sabres have no interest in the Little Sulker.
“25% chance of being traded” LMAO….
Reminds me of that Simpsons episode where homer has his police militia and gets interviewed by Kent Brockman.
Kent Brockman: Mr. Simpson, how do you respond to the charges that petty vandalism such as graffiti is down eighty percent, while heavy sack beatings are up a shocking nine hundred percent?
Homer Simpson: Aw, you can come up with statistics to prove anything, Kent. Forty percent of all people know that.
Kent Brockman: I see. Well, what do you say to the accusation that your group has been causing more crimes than it’s been preventing?
Homer Simpson: Oh, Kent, I’d be lying if I said my men weren’t committing crimes.
Kent Brockman: [pause] Well, touché.
Lol! Classic and very true in this case!
kinda slow in the rumor dept……
Honestly Don’t count out the Sharks, New coach, The core is still there make a move on Kyle Okposo get a Goalie in free Agency, Why do I have a feeling the sharks will make the finals next season watch
The problem with that strategy is that all the UFA goalies on the market are marginal goalies – no real game breakers. The most accomplished of those is the very goalie they are not re-signing. Even the goalies who are mentioned frequently as trade targets are mostly considered risky based on lack of experience, like Cam Talbot or that Martin goalie from LA.
I don’t doubt the Sharks are up to something, but if I hear one more braniac pundit tell me about a huge move involving Marleau or Thornton I’ll scream.
NO EFFFING MOVEMENT………..and AND!!!…they have said repeatedly they don’t want to move.
I do find it interesting that the Senators were out and about in the Swedish elite league trying to acquire yet another goalie.
Thornton and Marleau both waiving NMCs so they can both play for Barracudas. Kevin Kurz just told me, so it must be true.
oh it just hit me blockbuster trade
\san jose …. kessell and pylon #3(captain)and Bernier
Leafs get Thorton Marleau and Neimi you know Babs loves Marleau
Wow. Kypper reported the same deal !
Getting rid of him just to be rid of him is not going to help the Leafs (Re: Kessel). Keeping him on the team is not going to hurt the Leafs. If the leafs are truly rebuilding, they should clear up as much cap space as possible. Then they can look at covering more of his salary for this year/next year in order to make a trade that will bring back serious assets, possibly at the deadline. All giving him away will accomplish is free up some cap space that the leafs won’t have anything to spend on anyway.
I keep reading random other sites about the Rangers trading Yandle or Jt Miller-moving either makes no sense to me so are these just columnists filling trade speculation quota?
JT Miller is ready to be given a top 6 chance so maybe that means potential to move him?
Yandle had some monster flashes in Conf finals-and the Rangers gave up ALOT to acquire him. I would believe he is included in the next run at his discounted price
With the almost certain St. Louis departure, I don’t think NY will be moving Miller. I have read more of Klein departing than Yandle. I don’t believe either is on the move to be honest. But I’d be shocked if NY moved Klein before Yandle. The only other Righty in the system (near Nhl) is McIlrath…..And when I say “near nhl” I am exaggerating grossly!!!! NO THANK YOU!!!!!!
Top 9?
Nash Brassard Zuc
Kreider Stepan Miller
Fast Hayes Hagelin
Yandle is wasted if third pairing that is understood unless he moves to the right side? He showed he is a much better player when gets more ice time
I’d like to see Lindberg get a legitimate chance this year on 4th line . Or maybe move Hayes back at wing, Moore 3rd line center Lindberg 4th line center. Or if he shows any chemistry with Hayes and Hagelin, 3rd line center. Or any combination….lol.
Moore on the 3rd takes Miller or Fast off the top 9. Miller is a waste on the 4th line.
Miller has played more wing than center this year? How would more effect Miller on the 2nd line you propose?
I’m Saying
Nash Brassard Zuccs
Kreider Stepan Miller
Hagelin Moore Hayes
Glass Lindberg Fast
If Lindberg can be successful at faceoffs, and prove himself, swap him with Moore. Miller and Hayes could also be swapped out. Fast had 14 points in 58 games…..I’m not sure him out of the top 9 is a bad thing. He pretty much was a 4th line guy all year last year.
I also think their d-pairings need to be re-tooled.
But with Boyle in the mix….Someone strong (and left handed) needs to be playing with him on the bottom pairing….. Staal or McDonagh. If there is a god….Boyle can be moved to eliminate that problem.
Can we stop talking about Kessel already… It’s fairly obvious that management has priced him out of the trade market
But it’s still hilarious to hear uneducated Fans of TO and other teams tell us he is worth what they are asking.. Just stop and think about it for a second!!
If Phil Kessel was worth a 1st round pick, a top prospect, and a roster player.. Then why hasn’t he moved yet????? The offseason is when a contract like this can be moved.. But it won’t be
Sadly I am going to have to go over this 1000 times between now and next years trade deadline.. Cause that’s when I believe he could be moved or next offseason
Basically after the leafs find their team is not going to bottom out next year.. they will lower this ridiculous asking price!!!
In the meantime we all get to laugh at the leafs!! For a minimum of 5 more years!!!!!!!
LEAFS = LAUGHING STOCK
Perhaps he hasn’t been moved yet because the teams who are wanting to give up a 1rst, top prospect and a roster player are not on his trade list. The teams who do want to offer that that are on his trade list do not have the cap room to bring him in. Finally the team who wants him is hoping the Leafs will drop their price, so they play the waiting game and see who blinks first.
Just because he hasn’t been moved yet does not mean he is not worth the asking price. There are way more legit arguments you can make to that end.
Well why not tell us what Kessel is worth then?
Kessel is 27 and has scored 30 or more 5 times, 35 or more 3 times and has over 60 points 5 times and over 80 points twice for a total of 520 points in 668 games. Since when have guys like this not been in high demand in the NHL?
If Kessel had of gone to UFA the year he signed that contract what do you think would have happened? Kessel would be making 9 -10 million a year right now. His Contract is big sure, but its not a bad contract for what he brings to the team.
All this Kessel has not heart Kessel has no grit Kessel isnt a leader is bulls**T. He isnt paid to have any of those things he is paid to produce points which is exactly what he does.
Nice pot shots at the leafs though I’ll give you a point for that Leafs = Laughing stock in all caps.
K has done this before to stir the pot.
I think he is a secret Kessel fan hence the letter K.
you guys NEVER mention the teams you cheer for you want to vent lets go then
is this comment really necessary? you know your allowed to bypass atricles or skip the kessel section. or better yet just copy and paste your comment everyday to save your time since the talk isnt going anywhere.
The only reason Burns is playing defense for the Sharks is because they’re so weak at that position. The Sharks only have three good defensemen – Burns (more because of his offense), Braun, and Vlasic. Why would they trade Burns or Braun? It’s not happening.
I don’t know why anyone quotes Kevin Kurz because nobody in the Bay Area actually does. Even fan sites are more reputable.
AS A SHARKS FAN FOR 20 YEARS I’LL EVEN BE SHOCKED IF WILSON DOES SOMETHING. HE NEVER DOES ANYTHING. ONCE IN A WHILE HELL DECIDE HE SHOULD BUT THAT’S IT. IF ANYTHING I SEE THEM WORKING OUT A DEAL WITH THE RANGERS TO GET TALBOT & NASH. I THINK THAT MIGHT. BE THE DEAL THEY’RE WORKING ON IF ANY. WILSON LIKES TO TALK ALOT. LIKE WHEN HE PROMISED ALL KINDS OF “MAJOR CHANGES” AFTER WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM AGAINST LA IN THE PLAYOFFS & NOTHING. I WOULDN’T GET MY HOPES UP UNTIL WE ACTUALLY SEE HIM DO SOMETHING. I THINK HE’S THE ONLY GM WHO REALLY DOES NOTHING.
What a pile of crap today…lol
Kessel kills puppies for sport, Kessel is the antichrist, I heard Kessel eats babies for breakfast thats he is so outa shape..Leafs are going to have to hold 2 mill per and take a contract back thats worth 6…yada yada yada
Do people not realize how dumb they sound and how stupid they are going to probably look? …Sameones that say Leaf fans are bad? Jeesh
Yup pretty much one of those days
Wow.I agree with Shticky.
Come on guys give yours heads a shake..
I already stated that Kessel is worth.. A 1st round (2016 lottery protected pick), mid level prospect, and a young player with some value.
His worth is somewhere about what Ryan Kesler was.. That’s about as fair an assessment I can make
I could agree with that if Toronto would keep two million a year for the rest of his contact. Truth is most players in Toronto are overpaid. I can respect that is what they need to do to sign players, but hard for others to give value and take the whole salery back.
Hey Rutherford I know your stupid but please leave overrated Phil alone!!!
Same could be said for sharp. Hope Rutherford not that stupid for that one too.
Wilson & Rutherford should have a competition to see who’s worse. Both teams should be able to BUYOUT WILSON & RUTHERFORD.
@ shticky
Don’t get all bent out of shape because Kessel is not worth what you think he is worth..
Just come to terms with the fact that Kessel didn’t work out. You lost a lot of building blocks in that deal
And if TO was smart (which they are not) they would move him for a “Kesler” like return.. Be bad and start to rebuild!!
I’m predicting they piss and moan about the return and end up playing Kessel.. Finish next year with a pick that is in the 8-14 range
If the return isnt what they want why would you move him? lol, canyou see the future? Are you special K?
He is a good player on a badily built team, the reason for moving him would be to help build the team properly.Do you think the Leafs win more games if you put Winnik on the top line? He is a good defendive forward? 1 or 2 players does not make a team bad. The leafs are horrible defensively because the whole top line doesnt play D Lupul is a terrible defensive forwars aswell thats 4 of 6 guys
that dont play a lick of D, yet you dont here people bashing JVR, Lupul Bozak its
trade Phil he doesnt backcheck! They have 2 younger guys still developing Dion
and no one else never mind arguing about is Dion a #1 if your best D is playing with guys like Aulie Kostka Gunnarsson Gleason…is that really a top pair?…and its been that way for a long time a 2nd or 3rd line center
playing on a top line…trading Kessel unless its for exactly what they want doesnt make any sense or any better. The Leafs are a bad hockey team, Phil Kessel is not a bad hockey player, you dont trade him for just whatever to be rid of him. Kesler wanted to be traded, Kessel (for whatever reason…I am not sure why) hasnt made a peep about wanting to leave.
“Do you think the Leafs win more games if you put Winnik on the top line?”
Don’t be surprised if something like that actually happens now that Babcock is the coach. He’s kept putting a 3rd or 4th liner like Abdelkader with Datsyuk on the 1st line or Helm…having both those guys as top 6 wingers this season. Hell he even put 4th liner Glendening on the first line when Abdelkader and Helm were out with injuries.
Whatever 3rd or 4th liner the Leafs have that has size or a work ethic (even if they have little to no scoring ability) that Babcock loves will end up on the top line at some point to “pull the piano” as Babcock often stupidly called it. I hope the Leaf players like cheese lol
CO on June 22, 2015 at 6:26 pm
To Toronto: 11th pick (2015), Rocco Grimaldi, Brad Boyes
To Florida: Phil Kessel
This u can see happenin
Would have to be flordia’s 2016 1st round..
After looking at all this rumors I wonder if a three way trade could be in the works.
Something like:
Pittsburgh gets:
Kessel at a slight markdown price.
First or second round pick.
Toronto gets:
Patrick Sharp
Kunitz
Chicago gets:
Brandon Sutter
One defense prospect from Pitt.
Just a rough guess but it is a start and shows what most would be willing to take. Pittsburgh needs a scoring winger with a slightly lower price. Toronto is looking for new blood to help build towards winning. Chicago needs salery relief and something in return.
Why in hell does a rebuilding team want Kunitz and Sharp? And how do the Pens end up with Kessel at a narked down price and a first for a third line center a prospect snd Kunitz? Jeeezus
Whatever. Just discussing the possibly of a three way trade that could help all. Looked at the pens landing a top winger and pick or picks. Toronto getting fresh blood and figured they aren’t in whole sell mode and willing to take on players with a little salery. And giving Chicago salery with Pittsburghs best trade asset that they are willing to move and could be a second line center on any other team. Honesty can care less for kessel and sharp. Would be happy sending kunitz for lupul straight up and be done with it.
Kessel is a one way player no defensive skills he is overpaid if the Leafs could get a few pucks for him and someone to take his ridiculous
Ous contract would be great
SHARKS MIGHT ALSO LOOK INTO A TRADE WITH THE PENGUINS FOR FLEURY & MALKIN. IT WOULD PROBABLY BE SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
Sharks trade picks, goalie, Marleau, Wingels & Nieto (or someone else) to Rangers for Talbot & Nash.
Sharks trade picks, goalie, either Couture or Pavelski & Wingels to Penguins for Fleury & Malkin.
IT’S TIME FOR MARLEAU TO GO! HE’S BEEN THERE HALF HIS LIFE!
Malkin isn’t going anywhere. And especially not for so little
Hahahahaha….I love reading all this Kessel bashing. But the absolute truth is… that Kessel is a high talent RW and is only a quality center away from superstar status. My dream destination for Phil the thrill is the Islanders with Strome,Reinhart and something else coming back. Can you imagine Kessel skating with Johnny T. Both hit the 50 goal mark next season and for the next 3 after
I’m going out on a limb but I think Montreal will if not already make a play for Kessel. Galchenyuk, Fucale & Tangradi (maybe Tonordi depending on how much $ Toronto takes back.
I’d like to see something like Kessel + 24th pick to Carolina for Skinner + 5th overall pick.. that way we take some salary back, but get a nice pick.
Also, if dealing with Florida, the Leafs will for sure want Huberdeau involved. Florida won’t be dealing Bjustad after the year he just had.
I have never seen a player who is the 4 best scorer in the league- over the past 4 years get abused so much? Is it because you hate the Leafs so much that you can’t even even be neutral……haha “a prospect and David Bolland”…goodness – go watch cricket. If he was a UFA he would get his salary plus and the same term….because he isn’t a UFA teams will trade for him…yes the Leafs will take back a salary but they will get a 1st round pick plus a top prospect at the very least…Man there are some serious Leaf haters out here..