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Kessel Squarely On Leafs' Radar

September 13, 2009, 6:03 PM ET [ Comments]
Howard Berger
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
TORONTO (Sep. 13) — Though the parties involved are wisely and appropriately maintaining a code of virtual silence, it appears certain that the Phil Kessel-to-Toronto negotiations are heating by the moment. Sources confirm that at least a half-dozen NHL teams are interested in acquiring the Bruins’ restricted free agent, but Kessel is believed to strongly favour Toronto as a new destination, and the Leafs appear willing to offer what it will take — within reason — to trade for the scoring forward. The possibility of an offer-sheet still exists, though it would seem a waste of time for an opponent to go that route, as the Bruins have made it clear they will match any overture to retain Kessel’s rights (partly for an eventual trade). As such, a transaction between teams is almost certainly the way Kessel will change jerseys.

Intrigue in this circumstance was heightened earlier today, when Kessel’s Mississauga-based agent, Wade Arnott, dropped by the Leafs’ practice facility and chatted at length with senior vice-president of hockey operations David Nonis. Arnott — though typically amicable — refused to comment on the specifics of the Kessel negotiations, but one can assume he did not huddle with Nonis to review what the two men had for dinner on Saturday. As sort of a middle-man between Bruins’ GM Peter Chiarelli and the Maple Leafs, Arnott clearly has a pulse on what Boston is seeking in a deal for Kessel and it’s further anticipated the agent will do his utmost to help facilitate a move to Toronto. Chiarelli, of course, holds the hammer, as he maintains the right to match any offer and to negotiate with all of the clubs interested in Kessel. In a perfect situation, one would suspect he’d rather trade Kessel out of the Northeast Division and, perhaps, the Eastern Conference to reduce the likelihood of his former player coming back to hurt the Bruins. And, that’s where Brian Burke factors in.

The Leafs’ GM is undoubtedly conscious of the fact Chiarelli would prefer to do business elsewhere, and Burke understands his equalizing factor is to offer the Bruins’ manager a package he simply cannot refuse — one substantially more attractive than that put forward by any other team. Technically, if so inclined, Burke could go to extremes in order to secure Kessel’s rights; if he were to do something ridiculous such as putting $6 or $7-million a season into a multi-year offer-sheet, it’s unlikely the Bruins would follow through on their claim to match. But, Burke also has a cap situation to manage, and it would seem terribly imprudent — not to mention hypocritical — for him to disfigure the market premium on any free agent.

Whether or not Burke, as part of a trade, should sacrifice a first-round draft pick in the post-lockout NHL is another topic for debate, though he can make the valid argument that Kessel was a first-rounder — and a legitimate one — only three years ago (chosen fifth overall by the Bruins). To include a second opening-round pick in the deal is a far greater risk, but it appears the Leafs’ GM is at least considering such a move.

Whatever the case, it should come as no surprise if a Boston-Toronto trade happens in the next 48 hours.

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