Posts
I spent the weekend, among other things, digesting the ins and outs of the Phil Kessel move by the Toronto Maple Leafs. My initial reaction was, "Holy shit, the Leafs got Kessel. They're a lock for the playoffs." Then I quickly changed to,"What the fuck? Two firsts and a second for Kessel? Really?" Now I'm somewhere in the middle.
Kessel is obviously Toronto's best player on offence (and could be their best player period.) He's young (21) and he's not making a ton for his skill set ($5.4m/season for five years). That being said, he played with Marc Savard who is easily a top ten play-maker. Toronto doesn't have anyone close to him at centre. Also, I really wish the NHL had an equivalent of the NBA's "Ted Stepien rule" (see below for details). I'm never a fan of teams giving up so many high draft picks nor do I support trading a first and second round pick in the same draft.
Then there's the sticky situation of trade vs. offer sheet. At an average salary of $5.4m, Boston's compensation would have been picks in the first, second and third round as opposed to the two firsts and a second. But GMs are reluctant to use this option as it fosters poor relations with their fellow GMs by "inflating" salaries.
However, I get the sense that Brian Burke isn't done shaping this team. He knows that other GMs covet Tomas Kaberle, especially at his price point. If Burke can get Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause, we'll probably see the Leafs back in the first round and maybe acquiring a top-six forward as well.
In all, I'm neutral on this trade. It makes the Leafs better in the short term and likely puts them into the playoffs this season. But the playoffs aren't Brian Burke's stated goal; the Stanley Cup is. Trading high draft picks on a team that has no chance of making the Cup Final is a step sideways. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's your 2000, sorry, 2010 Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Ted Stepien Rule
Ted Stepien owed the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1980s and had a tendency to trade his first round picks. In one case, he traded the Cavs' pick in 1982 draft to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Cavs would finish last in the Eastern Conference and the Lakers drafted James Worthy. The NBA went on to ban teams from trading away consecutive first round picks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
How does this affect Kessel's fantasy value? He's going to miss 20 games this year, possibly more if he doesn't feel like he's 100%. Of course then he jumps into a season already in full-swing and has to adjust on the fly to new teammates.
ReplyDeleteIs Phil the Thrill even worth drafting this year? (In the opinion of Dave, blognosticator, please. Not Dave, Defending Champion of the Classic)
Here's the ESPN fantasy analysis for Phil Kessel.
ReplyDeleteKessel's breakout season is a sign of superstar things to come for the winger, but not this season. He is out until possibly December after shoulder surgery, and the Bruins may not have enough money to re-sign him as a restricted free agent. When and where Kessel starts playing this season remains to be seen. He still deserves to be drafted to your fantasy bench, but don't expect more than 50 games out of him this year.
I agree basically agree with that assessment (aside from the whole Boston thing as this was written on August 17). He has long term value, but not in a league that only allows for three year keepers. I'd drop him. You can still draft him and start the clock again.