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.
I'm not going to pretend I know what Winnipeg needs, but I know what the Leafs need. Let's take a look at this potential deal up close by comparing the two main pieces.
Mark Scheifele is a 6'3 centre who brings size and skill to the table, something they obviously seem to lack in Winnipeg's prospect pool. He utilizes a combination of size, speed, smarts, skill, and vision. Playing against the best centers in the OHL every game, he seems to be learning quickly. Although playing in a losing environment on his current team, he most definitely is putting up some nice numbers.
Phil Kessel on the other hand, is proven. We all know this. Kessel is a marvel to watch. He combines dazzling moves with excellent hockey sense, tremendous poise and confidence with the puck, a tireless work ethic, and a very professional approach to the game. Kessel is a player who can make those around him better and has the ability to make things happen. His excellent hockey sense can assure you he won't be caught in the wrong position enabling him to be the recipient of a big, injuring hit (Hello 70-82 game seasons for the club). One attribute that immediately jumps out about Kessel is his extraordinary skating ability. His explosive speed and effortless strides are what set him apart from just about every other player in the nation. Another characteristic that makes Kessel such a highly-regarded player is the way he thinks the game. He is immensely smart and contains great vision. He has shown that he can read and anticipate plays quite well. Furthermore, he is very good at finding open spaces on the ice, knows just where the developing play is going, and where he needs to be.
Usually lost in this solely "high offensive firepower shooter" from mostly other peoples perspective, is his passing ability. He is a superb and extremely creative playmaker. He makes outstanding tape-to-tape passes and has little trouble finding open passing lanes. He has also demonstrated a keen sense of making the right decisions with the puck.
Fortunately for me, I don't put as much weight in the proven section as most would, I understand players by watching them, reading their personality types and whether or not the young prospect being targeted will thrive and learn to fulfill his draft pedigree. I truly believe Mark will.
On another note, I don't believe he will ever surpass Kessel's point totals. I look at the overall grand theme of things, the team. The Leafs need a centre of his caliber more than Kessel's elite offensive play on the wing. It's what I believe would benefit us with wins in the long run through overall team Chemistry.
And so, Winnipeg Jets GM's, I ask you, what are your thoughts on this proposal:
Phil Kessel is the only first-liner on the Leafs - Lupul had a nice year, but he's not a first-liner - they can't afford to trade Kessel for a prospect, even if that prospect is a very good one. I would think the Leafs would be looking to add to their roster, not take away from it.
I'm not going to pretend I know what Winnipeg needs, but I know what the Leafs need. Let's take a look at this potential deal up close by comparing the two main pieces.
Mark Scheifele is a 6'3 centre who brings size and skill to the table, something they obviously seem to lack in Winnipeg's prospect pool. He utilizes a combination of size, speed, smarts, skill, and vision. Playing against the best centers in the OHL every game, he seems to be learning quickly. Although playing in a losing environment on his current team, he most definitely is putting up some nice numbers.
Phil Kessel on the other hand, is proven. We all know this. Kessel is a marvel to watch. He combines dazzling moves with excellent hockey sense, tremendous poise and confidence with the puck, a tireless work ethic, and a very professional approach to the game. Kessel is a player who can make those around him better and has the ability to make things happen. His excellent hockey sense can assure you he won't be caught in the wrong position enabling him to be the recipient of a big, injuring hit (Hello 70-82 game seasons for the club). One attribute that immediately jumps out about Kessel is his extraordinary skating ability. His explosive speed and effortless strides are what set him apart from just about every other player in the nation. Another characteristic that makes Kessel such a highly-regarded player is the way he thinks the game. He is immensely smart and contains great vision. He has shown that he can read and anticipate plays quite well. Furthermore, he is very good at finding open spaces on the ice, knows just where the developing play is going, and where he needs to be.
Usually lost in this solely "high offensive firepower shooter" from mostly other peoples perspective, is his passing ability. He is a superb and extremely creative playmaker. He makes outstanding tape-to-tape passes and has little trouble finding open passing lanes. He has also demonstrated a keen sense of making the right decisions with the puck.
Fortunately for me, I don't put as much weight in the proven section as most would, I understand players by watching them, reading their personality types and whether or not the young prospect being targeted will thrive and learn to fulfill his draft pedigree. I truly believe Mark will.
On another note, I don't believe he will ever surpass Kessel's point totals. I look at the overall grand theme of things, the team. The Leafs need a centre of his caliber more than Kessel's elite offensive play on the wing. It's what I believe would benefit us with wins in the long run through overall team Chemistry.
And so, Winnipeg Jets GM's, I ask you, what are your thoughts on this proposal:
makes no sense. Leafs are in win-now mode. Burke's job is on the line. He's not trading away his only 1st-liner for futures, as good as a prospect Scheifele is
Phil Kessel is the only first-liner on the Leafs - Lupul had a nice year, but he's not a first-liner - they can't afford to trade Kessel for a prospect, even if that prospect is a very good one. I would think the Leafs would be looking to add to their roster, not take away from it.
This adds to the squad as soon as the season starts up. He is ready. Improves the formation of the team for the future.
makes no sense. Leafs are in win-now mode. Burke's job is on the line. He's not trading away his only 1st-liner for futures, as good as a prospect Scheifele is
This adds to the squad as soon as the season starts up. He is ready. Improves the formation of the team for the future.
How does trading a proven, 35-goal, 70-80 point forward, for a prospect, make the Leafs better when the season starts? Don't the Leafs want to make the playoffs? You're going to rely on Schiefele as your #1 centre to take you there? It's not going to happen.
Schiefele's a very good prospect, but he's not going to step into the NHL and dominate.. I would think 50 points is even a tad too optimistic, especially if his wingers are Lupul and.. Kulemin? MacArthur?
Even if you believe Schiefele will be better than Kessel in the future, the Leafs still don't make the deal because they need to make the playoffs now.
As a Jets fan I'm wondering why the Leafs would do this, really doesn't make sense for them.
I explained it. Reading comprehension I think is what it's called. You're losing a few points of productions, quite possibly around 25-30 for the first little while, but it makes us a better team in my mind when we get our other wings in the system. Perry is also my target.
How does trading a proven, 35-goal, 70-80 point forward, for a prospect, make the Leafs better when the season starts? Don't the Leafs want to make the playoffs? You're going to rely on Schiefele as your #1 centre to take you there? It's not going to happen.
Schiefele's a very good prospect, but he's not going to step into the NHL and dominate.. I would think 50 points is even a tad too optimistic, especially if his wingers are Lupul and.. Kulemin? MacArthur?
Even if you believe Schiefele will be better than Kessel in the future, the Leafs still don't make the deal because they need to make the playoffs now.
I meant adds as in replaces. He's ready so he still steps in at a centre role. Of course it might be a minor set back in terms of goals for, but the future would be better with him as a centre on the team. Burke has too much support if this went through to ever be fired. He's loved by all of upper management and owners.
I meant adds as in replaces. He's ready so he still steps in at a centre roll. Of course it might be a minor set back in terms of goals for, but the future would be better with him as a centre on the team I think.
The Leafs future might be better if Schiefele pans out. But why take the risk if you're the Leafs? You know what you have in Kessel, you can't guarantee that Schiefele will be a 2nd line centre in the NHL, nevermind a star player.. so why are the Leafs making this trade? Because they might be able to sign Corey Perry? I just don't see the logic. Why not, if you're so concerned with finding a centre, trade Kessel for a proven centre in the NHL? Or maybe trade him for the rights to Getzlaf and Perry when/if the season starts up?
The Leafs future might be better if Schiefele pans out. But why take the risk if you're the Leafs? You know what you have in Kessel, you can't guarantee that Schiefele will be a 2nd line centre in the NHL, nevermind a star player.. so why are the Leafs making this trade? Because they might be able to sign Corey Perry? I just don't see the logic. Why not, if you're so concerned with finding a centre, trade Kessel for a proven centre in the NHL? Or maybe trade him for the rights to Getzlaf and Perry when/if the season starts up?
Because Scheifele is the guy i'm targeting. He will be a factor in the NHL also. It's not a toss in the air if you know what you're looking at when analyzing a player.
