_venom_ wrote:If swapping Kessel for Nash was a possibility then I would be all over it. Despite Kessel having the better season, he is nowhere near as complete of a player. Nash kills penalties (probably the best forward PK in the NHL), can hit, can score, and he's a leader. Kessel is one dimensional and he'll never become an all around player. I would only do that deal in a straight swap though because of the salary difference and the age difference.
Burke's offseason goal should be:
1) Get a goalie, a legitimate goalie. Try to pry Corey Schneider away from the Canucks. I would give up our pick this year unless it's 1st overall to get Schneider.
2) Try to shed the deadweight on this team. There's a lot of it so it will be hard. Connolly, Komisarek, Lombardi, Armstrong, Steckel should all be shipped out. Komisarek would be the toughest to move but I hope an amnesty clause in the new CBA takes care of him. The others will all be going into the final years of their contract so some teams may be willing to take them.
3) Try to get tougher up front. By this I don't mean going out and getting 3rd/4th line grinders. We need legit top 6 talent that can play in the corners and not getting moved off the puck easily. Guys like Nash, Brown, or Malone. Carlysle promotes cycling in the offensive zone and maintaining possession deep. We barely have anyone on the roster capable of that right now.
4) Do not sign mediocre players in free agency. This has been Burke's biggest problem as Leafs GM. Signing mediocre players like Komisarek, Connolly, and Armstrong to big contracts. If you can't get legitimate top tier players don't settle. Bring up a couple of kids for next season. Ashton can easily play on our 3rd line next season. Same with Frattin. Colborne and Kadri deserve to be up too. Don't waster roster spots on overpaid scrubs when you have cheaper, younger options at your disposal.
I would do everything possible to do Kessel for Nash, if you have to sweeten it slightly I would. I'd then flip the first if it's not the top pick to get Schneider.
I would try to move the guys you mentioned except for Steckel. I like him and think he'll do well in Carlyle's system.