Will Brian Burke and the Leafs make a play for Kessel?

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Sep 6, 2009 10:42 AM EDT

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke struck a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday to swap draft picks. The Leafs took control of a 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft (one that they originally owned) in exchange for a second round pick and a third round pick in 2011. So, what's the point of this deal? The move now gives the Leafs the required compensation to submit an offer sheet to a restricted free agent with a salary between $4.520 million and $6.026 million (1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick in 2010). The name that is being bounced around Toronto is Phil Kessel. While Kessel isn't exactly the prototypical Brian Burke player, I think Burke realizes that the Leafs could use another goal scorer. I don't think that Peter Chiarelli and the Boston Bruins want to see Kessel go to a divisional rival, but stranger things have happened. Let's not forget that the Bruins and Maple Leafs were very close to making a deal involving Kessel at this year's draft.

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I have a feeling they will go after Brandon Dubinsky, not Kessel. The Leafs would probably only have to give up a 2nd round pick to get Dubinsky plus he is more of a “Burke type player”.

Go Leafs and Bruins!

www.mma-elite.com

by Brad Ackerson on Sep 6, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions

Kessel is not the Burke style player score 25 goals and get 60-100 minutes in penalties. I say that kind of tongue in check but it’s true.

by Eric B on Sep 6, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

Another name I heard Burke may go after was Drew Stafford. He can be had in the price range of giving up only a 2nd round draft pick. Stafford has a scoring touch, defensive skill, and from some Buffalo posts i’ve read he has put on some muscle and will be coming into the season at around 220. A big body with a scoring touch, could be turned into a more hard nosed Burke player. I see Burke getting one of Dubinsky or Stafford, before throwing the kitchen sink at Kessel. I think Burke wants his 2010 1st rounder to try and find a big, physical, play making center early in the draft to build a team around

by Dangles-McDonnybrook on Sep 6, 2009 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

I think Kessel going to the Leafs would be very interesting. In my opinion he would be their best offensive player. Kessel isnt a playmaker in terms of racking up assists, and there are no Krejci/Savard type players to get the puck to Kessel in Toronto. I think the 1st,2nd,and 3rd round price tag is a very high tag for Kessel, if the shoe were on the other foot would you give that to get Kessel on this team? Personally I would not. If I am PC, I try and make the deal that was in place before with Kessel and Kaberle as the center pieces.

by timmorrison23 on Sep 6, 2009 6:37 PM EDT reply actions

I’ve been thinking for a long time now that Kessel’s played his last game as a Bruin, and I’d be damn surprised if Chiarelli didn’t have some form of backup plan. I guess if he’s deadset on keeping Kess out of the division, then a trade is a good thing, but I don’t think letting him walk is a bad thing if this frees up some space to make another trade or signing down the line.

It would be interesting (not good, but interesting) to see Kessel in Toronto. The Leafs are way more scrutinized than the Bruins, and if he flames out, it’s going to be a much rougher situation up there.

by Arenacale on Sep 6, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions

kessel / leafs

I think Burke will go to great lengths to get Kessel. Even though Kessel was not participating in on ice activity at the US Olympic camp orientation, perhaps they discussed philosophy. Will Burke’s pursuit encourage Boston to trade with say San Jose to prevent playing against Kessel 8 times a year. I think Kessel can wait this out and take his chances. he has had tougher things to go thru already in his young life. I really would hate to see him leave the Bruins. Kessel for Heatley , Heatley for Marleau, Kessel for Marleau + ah rumors are so fun

by Paintgirl04 on Sep 7, 2009 8:43 AM EDT reply actions

According to an article today in the Toronto Sun Burke wants Kessel very badly http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/691912

Go Leafs and Bruins!

www.mma-elite.com

by Brad Ackerson on Sep 7, 2009 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

I think that it is most curious that within days that PC blasts the Kessel camp, that Burke reacquires the Leafs 2nd round draft pick from the Hawks, so that the Leafs would have the required compensation to submit an offer sheet for a RFA in Kessel’s salary range demands.
It also seems that Kessel doesn’t mind sitting out the whole season should the Bruins miss the Dec 1 deadline to sign him …. maybe he had talks with Ron Wilson (Leafs coach) and Brian Burke (Leafs GM) at the Team USA orientation camp recently, and knows that the Leafs will take him should he become a UFA.
I also don’t think that Burke is only interested in tough guys, because he actually visited the Sedin twins this summer in Sweden, while they were still UFAs.

by Mr Spock on Sep 7, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Haha I called it(sadly)! If phil isn’t staying he will sign a deal rival to shove it in our faces. I really hope pete doesn’t let him go, we desperately need him or we’ll be looking another rebuild season

by delta on Sep 8, 2009 9:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Actually I think the Bruins should allow the Leafs to take Kessel, and take the Leafs draft picks (1st, 2nd, and 3rd round draft picks). The Bruins can always trade up in the draft with these extra picks, and the next draft is supposed to be really strong …. maybe they can even trade up to get a top 3 pick of the draft, where you will find really good franchise type players. Kessel is good, but not a franchise type player. You usually need a franchise player to win all the marbles.
The way Zach Hamill is looking, maybe he can replace Kessel in the next year or two. Additionally, the Bruins will still need cap space next year to sign Wheeler and Lucic to contracts above their current levels (especially Lucic).

by Mr Spock on Sep 8, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions