Kessel deal veryyy close

[RomaniaLuvTR]

as per tsn.ca and http://twitter.com/DarrenDreger and http://twitter.com/jeffmarek ....WELCOME TO T-DOT PHIL

[_venom_]

From what I've heard it will be Kaberle + at least one 1st rder which is a steep price to pay considering Kessel needs someone to get him the puck and we simply don't have that guy right now. Still, he's a 30-40 goal scorer and he's super young so you can't really fault the move.

[bryant08]

Mentioned this in my other thread regarding a possible offer sheet. Kaberle won't be involved, you can bet on that. He hasn't even been mentioned as a possibility in the rumours, I'm just really scared we're going to see 2 1st rounders in a deal, which for Kessel isn't reasonable IMO. He's a fantastic player and the odds to nab another Kessel aren't very high, but just look at Schenn and perhaps even Kadri's impressive performance to date to show you that you can nab talented young players who repay you quite a bit since they're on those rookie scale deals. Nonetheless, let's wait to see what the deal is to make judgement.

[bryant08]

And according to Eklund, however stupid this may sound coming from his mouth, THE source in Toronto tells him that as of 7:46, this deal isn't done yet.

[bryant08]

Damien Cox reporting Kessel has signed for 5 years, $27M total, the Leafs have dealt 2 1st and a 2nd in the deal - as per his Twitter.

[_venom_]

ugggghhh two 1sts and a 2nd is a lot....I mean Kessel is only 21 and is already a 35+ goal scorer but giving up 2 potential top 10 draft picks is tough.

[rarefind]

steep price, but kessel will more than likely become the leafs leader in points for years to come. now the question becomes, what deal follows this? burke still needs a playmaker to play along jason blake and kessel.

is this team good enough to make the playoffs? we will see. but if burke is wrong on his assesment he may have very well given away two very high draft picks. but then again a bird in hand is better than two in the bush, right?

[albedo]

When was the last time a Leafs draft pick scored 36 goals? I remember when people were calling Kessel the American Crosby.

Still, it hurts to lose so much flexibility.

[bryant08]

My goodness what a huge price to pay, but I'm happy to have Kessel as a building block for the future. But how the heck is Kessel going to perform this season without good linemates? Then looking forward, how are we going to build around him? Surely Kadri, Stalberg, Tlusty, Kulemin aren't first line players. Very huge risk and looking at it right now, not a good deal. I just like Kessel a lot, but I would have to consider giving up 2 1st rounders for most of the players in this league at length. Regarding the contract, it's about what I expected, but I'm really upset Burke didn't try the offer sheet route here.

[Avenger]

ugggghhh two 1sts and a 2nd is a lot....I mean Kessel is only 21 and is already a 35+ goal scorer but giving up 2 potential top 10 draft picks is tough.

The team is too good to have a top 10 worst record, maybe not good enough to easily make the playoffs but i don't think we're not gonna get burned by this years pick. Next years pick is probably even less valuable in the 15-20 range.

[bryant08]

Kaberle+Kadri (rumoured draft day breakdown) or 2 1st + 2nd for Kessel? Which would you have rather paid?

[_venom_]

Kaberle+Kadri (rumoured draft day breakdown) or 2 1st + 2nd for Kessel? Which would you have rather paid?

The 2 1sts and a 2nd because those 1st rd picks may not be as high as 7th and the 2010 draft is pretty weak. Kaberle could also fetch at least a 1st rder at the trade deadline.

[Crowned]

My goodness what a huge price to pay, but I'm happy to have Kessel as a building block for the future. But how the heck is Kessel going to perform this season without good linemates? Then looking forward, how are we going to build around him? Surely Kadri, Stalberg, Tlusty, Kulemin aren't first line players. Very huge risk and looking at it right now, not a good deal. I just like Kessel a lot, but I would have to consider giving up 2 1st rounders for most of the players in this league at length. Regarding the contract, it's about what I expected, but I'm really upset Burke didn't try the offer sheet route here.

Yes, he absolutely is. Kadri is oozing with potential, and I'm convinced he's going to be a helluva player...especially after watching him live a couple of times.

[RomaniaLuvTR]

we needed Kessel,i love this trade and i don`t care that much about the picks,we already have kadri bozak and stalberg tiusty kulemin and stefanovich who are very young so the future is bright in my opinion

[SharoneWright]

Good deal ---- just wait 2 years....

Young up and coming forwards who are only going to be getting better together ---

Kessel
Kadri
Bozak
Slaney
Stralberg
Hanson
Tlusty

..... not to mention Schenn and Gustavsson

With the right vet additions and some toughness, this group can make significant strides for years to come. (let's hope!)

[Dennis P]

My goodness what a huge price to pay, but I'm happy to have Kessel as a building block for the future. But how the heck is Kessel going to perform this season without good linemates? Then looking forward, how are we going to build around him? Surely Kadri, Stalberg, Tlusty, Kulemin aren't first line players. Very huge risk and looking at it right now, not a good deal. I just like Kessel a lot, but I would have to consider giving up 2 1st rounders for most of the players in this league at length. Regarding the contract, it's about what I expected, but I'm really upset Burke didn't try the offer sheet route here.

I don't know about you but Kadri looks every bit like a potential 1st liner. I went to the Boston game and he was all over the ice! He's got great speed and amazingly soft hands.

[s e n s i]

Never knew Phil Kessel sounds and talks like a total stoner.