Trade Rumors and Free Agent TalkTrade rumors, transactions, and free agent talk. Rumors must contain the word RUMOR in post title. Proposals must contain the word PROPOSAL in post title.
Honestly, I'm on the fence. I certainly don't think it was as bad as the Lupul trade that's forsure. However, much like the Lupul trade, this one doesn't make sense because it's a step backwards on its own.
If Burke can use that first (and his cap space) to get a guy to play with Kessel, then it's a good deal. Putting Bozak on the 3rd unit next year would give them a decent offensive catalyst, and they could try to throw an ELC player like Caputi pr Mueller along with Armstrong on the 3rd. However, if he isn't able to get a player to make Kessel more effective, it made absolutely no sense to get rid of our 3rd line catalyst.... because a #3 unit of Versteeg-Bozak-Armstrong would problably produce like a mediocre to slightly below average #2 unit.
This trade does have the effect of making the Lupul trade not as disasterous (maybe make Lupul the same 3rd line winger he was in Anaheim as opposed to a healthy scratch), so it gets points for that.
Honestly, I'm on the fence. I certainly don't think it was as bad as the Lupul trade that's forsure. However, much like the Lupul trade, this one doesn't make sense because it's a step backwards on its own.
If Burke can use that first (and his cap space) to get a guy to play with Kessel, then it's a good deal. Putting Bozak on the 3rd unit next year would give them a decent offensive catalyst, and they could try to throw an ELC player like Caputi pr Mueller along with Armstrong on the 3rd. However, if he isn't able to get a player to make Kessel more effective, it made absolutely no sense to get rid of our 3rd line catalyst.... because a #3 unit of Versteeg-Bozak-Armstrong would problably produce like a mediocre to slightly below average #2 unit.
Yeah I agree with you, I am not opposed to keeping the first and drafting with it and using the cap space to sign a Connolly if available or even use the 3rd and combine it with something acquire Connolly and see what Chemistry might be there between he and Kessel. I am just not sure what Buffalo would want for him, some fans I have ready say a bag of pucks, others think he can get value. With Richards going nowhere this year (I would think), Connolly and Arnott seem to be top centres that might be available via trade and I guess FA's if not signed.
no chance that happens. he is a ufa this summer. we would be thowing away the pic. plus i think arnott has a ntc, and cant see him waiving to come here for 2 months. a decent playoff run would do him better for contract reasons this summer.
Cheap 3rd line centre like Cal O'Reilly (who's injured atm) or just a cheap winger like Santorelli although obviously to a team which is looking to rebuild.
It would be a waste just to trade that pick unless they got rid of Kaberle with it and get something of substance in return.
They trade picks for assets to become better, than trade for picks because they want to rebuild. It
Please wait until the dust settles. Burke may be using these picks in another trade. Not to mention it's coming out now that Versteeg desperately wanted out. per dregger's twitter.
Thats isnt why people make fun off them. They arent heading in any direction. They dont know whether to rebuild or go and try to win. They trade picks for assets to become better, than trade for picks because they want to rebuild. It
Burke saw it as an opportunity to get a young potential 50 goal scorer and let's face it, nobody saw Leafs finishing 2nd worst. 2 years in a row they finished 7th last and basically improved their roster but finished worst. Even if those are two 5th overall picks, that's a win for the Leafs IMO. The only reason that deal hurts a little is because Bruins get a potential franchise player. I would consider it a win had Bruins had the 3rd overall pick and drafted Gudbranson instead.
It was a risky trade and not something I would do... but you have to understand it was a calculated risk. Even though they got Kessel, they are still rebuilding in a way. They are the youngest team in the league and got some pretty good young players in Schenn, Kulemin, Kessel, Phaneuf (he is starting to return to form, defensively he has been good, starting to play better offensively + hitting more), upcoming Kadri and now he has added Gardiner while there are few pretty good young players in Aulie, Blacker, Reimer.
Burke's thinking was probably try to win now (meaning get into playoffs) while rebuilding. If he wasn't truly rebuilding, he would consider trading Kadri to improve the club and clearly he didn't because he still wants to rebuild.
Maybe it's not exactly tanking like Oilers, Pens or Hawks did but there are different ways to do it. I am much more optimistic about Leafs future now than I was few weeks ago.
Burke saw it as an opportunity to get a young potential 50 goal scorer and let's face it, nobody saw Leafs finishing 2nd worst. 2 years in a row they finished 7th last and basically improved their roster but finished worst. Even if those are two 5th overall picks, that's a win for the Leafs IMO. The only reason that deal hurts a little is because Bruins get a potential franchise player. I would consider it a win had Bruins had the 3rd overall pick and drafted Gudbranson instead.
It was a risky trade and not something I would do... but you have to understand it was a calculated risk. Even though they got Kessel, they are still rebuilding in a way. They are the youngest team in the league and got some pretty good young players in Schenn, Kulemin, Kessel, Phaneuf (he is starting to return to form, defensively he has been good, starting to play better offensively + hitting more), upcoming Kadri and now he has added Gardiner while there are few pretty good young players in Aulie, Blacker, Reimer.
Burke's thinking was probably try to win now (meaning get into playoffs) while rebuilding. If he wasn't truly rebuilding, he would consider trading Kadri to improve the club and clearly he didn't because he still wants to rebuild.
Maybe it's not exactly tanking like Oilers, Pens or Hawks did but there are different ways to do it. I am much more optimistic about Leafs future now than I was few weeks ago.
I never said anything about the talent the Leafs have up and coming. They have some future pieces in place.
