It's true that Kessel's game isn't a perfect fit for Carlyle but I have every bit of confidence that Carlyle will use Kessel's strengths and work to improve his weaknesses. There aren't many players in the league that can score 30+ goals (and have the ability to to 40), play strong defensively and bring a physical element to their game. But in Kessel we have our first point per game player since Mats. He's an unbelievable goal scorer, scoring 30+ goals every season he's been here despite playing with players nowhere near his talent level. He has a much underrated passing ability, and his speed backs defenders off like few others'. Kessel's defensive game has improved since coming here and we're starting to get him some linemates that can actually contribute to the plays Kessel makes. Did I mention he's not even 25 yet?
People seem to struggle to grasp that two contradictory things can be true at the same time. Yes, it was a bad trade, but, also, yes, he is our only elite player, one who has done exactly what he was brought to the team to do: rack up lots of offense. I doubt seriously that the Leafs could even come close to getting his value in return. So, no, barring some insanely miraculous offer that included Malkin or someone of that stature, I would not trade him.
I leave the random guessing and trade proposals for the most part to others on the board, other than when a player is actually rumoured to be available.
I've already said I'd have no issue parting with Kessel in a deal that would return Rick Nash for example.
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Signature: There is no greater demonstration of Fan patience then to suggest to "Play the Kids " and be willing to accept the consequences of those actions..
Is that why he gets double shifted with Carlyle but never did with Wilson? Seems you know everything!
His ice time remained about the same. In fact Wilson played him 27 mins an 26 mins per in back to back this season. Caylye played him a measley 15 mins in a tough game.
Kessel's inability to play defense negates a lot of what he produces offensively. I don't think losing him would impact the overall performance of the team very much. Acquiring him sure as hell didn't give us a jump in the standings.
His ice time remained about the same. In fact Wilson played him 27 mins an 26 mins per in back to back this season. Caylye played him a measley 15 mins in a tough game.
So you didn't realize that he dropped kessels minutes not because of poor play, But rather because Steckel's checking line was increased to play against the other teams top lines??? You would make a Lousy coach and a lousier GM, Nuff said!
Kessel's inability to play defense negates a lot of what he produces offensively. I don't think losing him would impact the overall performance of the team very much. Acquiring him sure as hell didn't give us a jump in the standings.
Kessel had a very hot start as well. In the last 41 games of the season he had 34 points. Not bad but but not a PPG either. He had 13 goals over the last 41 games.
I don't think so..kids a PURE goal scorer and he is a great playmaker too...a point a game player this year imagine if he was given a big top line C..why does kessel need to be an exact fit for this carlyle system? Not every player has to be big and physical on this team for us to be successful..
If the Leafs are not building around Kessel, their leading scorer than who are they building around?
If they aren't building around him as a building block, than it only further makes sense to deal him away to acquire those building block pieces instead wouldn't you say?.
I keep scratching my head every time I see people on here wanting to trade the Leaf's only few star players. Kessel, Lupul, Kadri maybe one in the making. Here is a simple plan on how DYNASTIES were built such as the Oilers, Isles, Habs, etc etc.........They kept thier star players and kept adding star players!!! Too simple of a concept for people here to understand. No I would not trade Kessel!
I don't think so..kids a PURE goal scorer and he is a great playmaker too...a point a game player this year imagine if he was given a big top line C..why does kessel need to be an exact fit for this carlyle system? Not every player has to be big and physical on this team for us to be successful..
stop it with this crap, he was given a top 5 winger that was a ppg player. they both benefited from each other, bozak was a trooper on that line, he was the only one who was defensively responsible on that line. the problem was they couldn't sustain any pressure on the other team, bozie and kessel are terrible on the boards, and lupul was terrible in the defensive zone. the line produced well, but they had flaws in other areas of the game (defense).
this thread sounds like another bash kessel thread because burke overpaid for him.
give the kid a break, he's doing what he was paid to do and that is scoring, but don't make excuses because he's not a franchise player.
That depends, for example the Blackhawks would never trade the Leafs Jonathan Toews for Phil Kessel no matter how many goals he scores or by how many points he outproduces him by.
