Kessel to Penguins...

[scooby1970]

it looks like hunter is putting a stamp on the new look leafs with some London knights players...................... I like what the leafs are doing.......... its a rebuild and they are actually going through with it
the big winner is Pittsburgh for now, but hopefully Toronto in the future

 

[Bossy22]

Calgary wallowed in mediocrity for years. Got rid of Iginla, cammaleri, kipper, etc and were in the playoffs not long after. Toronto is heading in the right direction and it might not even be too long!!!

 

[coxy15]

Calgary wallowed in mediocrity for years. Got rid of Iginla, cammaleri, kipper, etc and were in the playoffs not long after. Toronto is heading in the right direction and it might not even be too long!!!

Kipper retired,Toronto's goalie tandem is brutal.Wish
they'd address that but it hasn't even been mentioned.

 

[chakhae1]

Well, Kessel lost interest in playing for Toronto this past year and wasn't responding to anything so he had to go. That being the case am I happy with the return? No. I expected at least one solid NHLer coming back and we got no one. We didn't even get the Pens top prospect and we got another guy that plays on the outside and projects to be a 3rd liner at most.

Kessel will FLOURISH with the pens and a 50 goal season isn't out of the question playing with the high end talent with pittsburgh. So it comes down to Doug Hamilton, Seguin and those other players for what we got back from pittsburgh. This is a SAD SAD day in leafs nation and it is no wonder why they keep losing fans almost on a daily basis!

The only positive thing that comes from this move is that now 100% for sure the team is having a full rebuild b/c that is the only justification for a deal such as this. Keep Phaneuf b/c despite his faults we need him on the blueline b/c he is the only nhl proven d man we have. UGHZ

 

[slckrsx]

the prior leafs management regimes are what failed here. Fact of the matter is we're not in a position to benefit from kessels talents so the best thing to do was to suffer short term by trading him for the best offer we can get and hopefully benefit later on from the picks and prospects we get back. I'm happy with the move and am looking at the big picture and have faith shanny and co will turn this team into a contender 3-5 years from now.

 

[tiger tiger]

the prior leafs management regimes are what failed here. Fact of the matter is we're not in a position to benefit from kessels talents so the best thing to do was to suffer short term by trading him for the best offer we can get and hopefully benefit later on from the picks and prospects we get back. I'm happy with the move and am looking at the big picture and have faith shanny and co will turn this team into a contender 3-5 years from now.

This is what Leafs fans need to understand.

Next year is a deep draft. This year got a lot of hype b/c of McDavid and Eichel, but the drop off after was quite quick.

Auston Matthews is looking as good as Eichel. He just missed this year's draft by a few days.

Marner, Nylander, Kapanen, Rielly, next year's 2 firsts: This is who you build around.

Gardiner, Conner Brown could be important players too.

What helps is that the Leafs have current players that could fetch back decent returns. Coupled with high draft picks in the next couple of years, Leafs could re-build very quick.

JVR has a NTC that kicks in next year, so I expect him to be moved next. Phaneuf, Lupul and Bozak have NTC's, but it doesn't mean they won't waive them. Worst case, I can see Lupul and Bozak fetching 1st r pick each at the trade deadline, since they have 3 more years on their contracts.

Kadri needs to help his own cause. He could get moved for another player that also needs a change of scenery.

 

[bonnev659]

big trade today for sure

 

[Leafsfan1967]

This is what Leafs fans need to understand.

Next year is a deep draft. This year got a lot of hype b/c of McDavid and Eichel, but the drop off after was quite quick.

Auston Matthews is looking as good as Eichel. He just missed this year's draft by a few days.

Marner, Nylander, Kapanen, Rielly, next year's 2 firsts: This is who you build around.

Gardiner, Conner Brown could be important players too.

What helps is that the Leafs have current players that could fetch back decent returns. Coupled with high draft picks in the next couple of years, Leafs could re-build very quick.

JVR has a NTC that kicks in next year, so I expect him to be moved next. Phaneuf, Lupul and Bozak have NTC's, but it doesn't mean they won't waive them. Worst case, I can see Lupul and Bozak fetching 1st r pick each at the trade deadline, since they have 3 more years on their contracts.

Kadri needs to help his own cause. He could get moved for another player that also needs a change of scenery.

I understand, just there's the factor that these players may not turn out to be as good as everyone thinks they'll be. Just because Leafs fans don't like it, doesn't mean they don't understand. Kadri should have been moved a year ago, maybe 2? As much as I'd love a 1st round pick each for Lupul, and Bozak, they likely won't get anything more than a 2nd, IMO. This could all work out, especially if they get Mathews next year, but way too many so-so prospects in the organization, they still need that franchise player, or this will be rough for many years, not just a couple. Some of us old guys may not have that much time to wait. :devil:

Good news is there has been a lot of speculation that Stamkos wants to come to Toronto in 16-17 as one of the highest paid players in the NHL, and Toronto has the money, and definitely cap space now. If that were to ever happen (one can only hope), then the rebuild would be faster than expected. Maybe that is all part of the plan? We'll see in a year. I'd probably wet myself repeatedly if they were to pull off Stammer, and Auston next summer. :whatthehell: :devil:

PS: JVR just turned 26. If this team starts to get better in 3 years, he'll only be 29. He's a piece that could be kept around through all this, unless you get a decent return for him. I want Bernier gone. I doubt anyone wants him now?

 

[will-411]

I'm happy - Kessel was never going to be better in Toronto and he can go flourish elsewhere.

As far as replacing his 30 - 35 goals, keep in mind he was probably directly responsible for 20 goals against... they only need to replace the difference and play a little bit better defence.

Good luck to Kessel in Pittsburgh, and go Babcock/ Shanahan!

 

[penguinfan]

I really don't know if I like the deal....the 1st is 2016?....I know if they miss the play offs 2 years in a row it becomes a 2nd...that is not going to happen...don't want it too. JR claims to want to get younger but trades too many picks away....Maybe I would not care had he not traded the 1st rounder from the deepest draft in while.


The comments on him being a defensive liability make me think over paying a ufa might have been better

 

[Orca Pod]

As far as replacing his 30 - 35 goals, keep in mind he was probably directly responsible for 20 goals against... they only need to replace the difference and play a little bit better defence.

Ironically, the one directly responsible for MORE goals against, is the number 1 defenseman.

:beer:

 

[tiger tiger]

I understand, just there's the factor that these players may not turn out to be as good as everyone thinks they'll be. Just because Leafs fans don't like it, doesn't mean they don't understand. Kadri should have been moved a year ago, maybe 2? As much as I'd love a 1st round pick each for Lupul, and Bozak, they likely won't get anything more than a 2nd, IMO. This could all work out, especially if they get Mathews next year, but way too many so-so prospects in the organization, they still need that franchise player, or this will be rough for many years, not just a couple. Some of us old guys may not have that much time to wait. :devil:

Good news is there has been a lot of speculation that Stamkos wants to come to Toronto in 16-17 as one of the highest paid players in the NHL, and Toronto has the money, and definitely cap space now. If that were to ever happen (one can only hope), then the rebuild would be faster than expected. Maybe that is all part of the plan? We'll see in a year. I'd probably wet myself repeatedly if they were to pull off Stammer, and Auston next summer. :whatthehell: :devil:

PS: JVR just turned 26. If this team starts to get better in 3 years, he'll only be 29. He's a piece that could be kept around through all this, unless you get a decent return for him. I want Bernier gone. I doubt anyone wants him now?

Yes, picks and prospects are all based on "potential". Doesn't mean much if that potential doesn't come to fruition.

There may not be many "superstar" prospects in the Leafs organization, but that goes for most teams. But they do have a few very good prospects, which is a great start. More than can be said about the Canucks.

The reason why I think Lupul and Bozak might be able to fetch a 1st is b/c they're signed for 3 more years. They are more than just a rental.

JVR is a UFA in 3 years, so his role will depend mainly on whether he wants to be part of the re-build or go elsewhere.

Kadri is...well...Kadri. Get what you can get for him, otherwise, sooner or later, you'll have to let him go for nothing.

Phaneuf could fetch a decent return, once teams get desperate for dmen. But that will be near the trade deadline.

Leafs fans just need to be a little patient. From an outsider, there's light at the end of the tunnel. If they land Matthews that would be huge. Even if they don't, but get top 3, there's a lot of good players next year that could be top line players in the future.

Plus Toronto shouldn't have any problems getting UFAs. Plus with Babcock there, it gives some elite players the peace of mind that they're not going to be dealing with some rookie coach or some nut job.

 

[BYOB]

I like the trade a lot. Kessel will hopefully be revived playing along side the two headed monster. Also if i'm not mistaking wasn't Tim Erixon a 1st rounder awhile back. Still kinda shocked Pouliot wasn't in the deal though.

 

[Breakaway Dealz]

Think the pens got the better on this trade.

 

[Stadium Sports]

Just another chapter in this, the 48th year of their 5 year rebuilding exercise.

 

[27Leafs27]

Just another chapter in this, the 48th year of their 5 year rebuilding exercise.

Thanks for the chuckle Scottie.

Dan.

 

[penguinfan]

I was silly to think the pens gave up too much at first....but is Kessel a major defensive liability +/- ca be a little deceiving since you could be 10 feet away while your teammate makes the error. The Pens 1st will no be that high. Hope it is 30th. At least if they suck so bad they miss the playoffs they keep their pick...no chance there I hope

 

[slckrsx]

I don't want to start bashing the leafs.
though I've got to do the run down of all of this starting with Kesell becoming a Leaf

The Leafs traded for Phil Kessel in 2006
trading their #1 pick in 2010 draft (Tyler Seguin)
Round 2 pick in 2010 (Jared Knight)
Round 1 pick in 2011 (Dougie Hamilton)

In return the Leafs got from Boston
Phil Kesell

Now this year 2015 Toronto trades
Phil Kesell
Tyler Biggs
Tim Erixon
Round 2 pick in 2016

To Pittsburgh for
Nick Spaling (in 2014/15 played 82 games with 27 pts)
Kasperi Kapanen
Round 1 pick in 2016
Round 3 pick in 2016

Donno what Toronto is thinking at all. The orig trade Kesell giving up Seguin & Dougie Hamilton
and now they are sending him to Pittsburgh? For next to nothing?

I'm by no means a Leafs fan
But it seems the Leafs say they are "rebuilding" each year. Thoug doesn't it seem they are more tearing down each year?

Think they could have done a lot better in the Kessell trade.

The leafs didn't trade seguin and Hamilton for Kessel. They traded two first and a second for Kessel, big difference. The problem was Burke did such a piss poor job at judging how good the team was that those picks turned into seguin and Hamilton. Burke and his Mini me Nonis are gone now and Shanny and co have to mix all the mistakes they made so let me ask you How do you figure what they got back now is next to nothing? They got a first and third round pick next year and they got the guy Pitts picked in the 1st round last year. It would have been nice to get one of Pitts better prospects but what does a team at the start of a rebuild need? Picks and prospects and that's exactly what the Leafs got in this trade.

Enjoy Kessel. Hopefully he works out for you guys.

 

[Leafsfan1967]

The leafs didn't trade seguin and Hamilton for Kessel. They traded two first and a second for Kessel, big difference. The problem was Burke did such a piss poor job at judging how good the team was that those picks turned into seguin and Hamilton. Burke and his Mini me Nonis are gone now and Shanny and co have to mix all the mistakes they made so let me ask you How do you figure what they got back now is next to nothing? They got a first and third round pick next year and they got the guy Pitts picked in the 1st round last year. It would have been nice to get one of Pitts better prospects but what does a team at the start of a rebuild need? Picks and prospects and that's exactly what the Leafs got in this trade.

Enjoy Kessel. Hopefully he works out for you guys.

I've heard that Kapenen was 2nd on the Pens rookie depth chart, and Harrington 4th. I'm guessing that Pouliot was 1st, and Mattaa was 3rd? Anyways, what is done, is done now. No sense beating a dead horse to death. A lot of the idiots from Leafs Nation wanted him gone, and basically ran him out of town, along with the idiot reporters, so they have no right to whine, and moan any more. They got their wish, and soon will be happy when Dion, Joffrey, and lord knows who else will be moved?

Now we don't have a current bonified scoring threat. Hope those who screamed for this are all happy, and enjoy watching the OHL/AHL Maple Leafs for the next few years. Maybe that's what needed to be done? Who am I to judge, but it is gonna be real painful for many more years to come. Some of us older folks may not have that much more time to see a Cup here in Toronto.

 

[slckrsx]

Yes, they will be bad for the next few years. Leafs management has admitted as much. Unfortunately sucking and getting high picks is the only way you can build a cup winning team in the salary capped NHL.

If you want something to be excited about in the meantime. Every day that goes by where Stamkos doesn't sign an extension in T Bay is one day closer to the dream of him coming home to be the captain of his favorite boyhood team.