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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