'cause Lupul decided to Skate to the Net for some rebounds...
- NOAH_U

What 45 times?

I would pick Semin over Kessel, Kessel play the same way. Skate fast on the wing, turn to center after crossing the blue line 'cause he didn't skate pass by the defense then shoot, never pass. Now you know how he was alone in the offensive zone.
- NOAH_U

I'd rather have Kessel... if only because I have yet to see anyone say Kessel is a bad teamate.

Talent wise... yeah they're similar.

I'd rather have Kessel... if only because I have yet to see anyone say Kessel is a bad teamate.

Talent wise... yeah they're similar.
- Scabeh

Only Boyd Gordon have said that... You want to have Boyd Gordon on your team too?

What 45 times?
- walshyleafsfan1

No but 45 assists were made in 82 game?
1 assist after what? 20 shots and 5 passes?

So the Ducks should just take some scrubs off Philly? Ryan is a better player than Couturier and Schenn combined.

'cause Lupul decided to Skate to the Net for some rebounds...

and his assists were finally higher than he goals since 2006.
- NOAH_U

Clearly you never watched any leaf games last season as the majority of both Kessel's and Lupul's goals were off the rush with both feeding each other with some very slick passes. I would even venture to say that Kessel was looking for a pass more often then a shot for most of last season.

So the Ducks should just take some scrubs off Philly? Ryan is a better player than Couturier and Schenn combined.
- Mr_Smokey

Ryan was also not playing in the NHL at 18-19.... Can't really compare the players at this point....

Don't get me wrong, he's a great player and you will have to give up good young players to get him.... but I could see the Flyers not wanting to give both their top prospect.

I would pick Semin over Kessel, Kessel play the same way. Skate fast on the wing, turn to center after crossing the blue line 'cause he didn't skate pass by the defense then shoot, never pass. Now you know how he was alone in the offensive zone.
- NOAH_U

This clearly shows you do not or have not watched Kessel. He is the best playmaker on Toronto.

Kessel would've cost 1,2,3 round pick with the offer sheet but Burke decided to trade 2 1st and 2nd.
- NOAH_U

Again please learn facts before speaking. There was at least one other team going after Kessel and talks of another. As well Boston could have matched, but were persuaded with the extra first rounder to trade him.

Although these picks were way higher than anticipated by most. We got back a 21yr old.

Clearly you never watched any leaf games last season as the majority of both Kessel's and Lupul's goals were off the rush with both feeding each other with some very slick passes. I would even venture to say that Kessel was looking for a pass more often then a shot for most of last season.
- vermie22

They were always on HNIC. How can CBC always show Losing Team?
The Leafs haven't made the playoff from cba to cba. Do you remember them as the team who were in playoff position in October?

This clearly shows you do not or have not watched Kessel. He is the best playmaker on Toronto.
- jsam7

His the best Goal Scorer too on the Leafs.

So the Ducks should just take some scrubs off Philly? Ryan is a better player than Couturier and Schenn combined.
- Mr_Smokey

I see someone just got done with their wake and bake.

Again please learn facts before speaking. There was at least one other team going after Kessel and talks of another. As well Boston could have matched, but were persuaded with the extra first rounder to trade him.

Although these picks were way higher than anticipated by most. We got back a 21yr old.
- jsam7

That's what Burke said on the Media?

Carolina just paid 7 million for a 21 goal /54 point man in Semin!
- Hockey_Reverend

Only for one year. There arent many players who can literally half arse an entire season and still pot 20 goals. The potential is there although that is somewhat of a steep price.

His the best Goal Scorer too on the Leafs.
- NOAH_U

And 6th in points in the NHL without an adequate centre.

That's what Burke said on the Media?
- NOAH_U

No Burke didn't say anything about that. That is from the 'insider' people.

And 6th in points in the NHL without an adequate centre.
- jsam7

Do you think Kessel will have a better season if JVR works out at center?

I really see last season as the best he can do.

Only for one year. There arent many players who can literally half arse an entire season and still pot 20 goals. The potential is there although that is somewhat of a steep price.
- JFlyers00

Def worth the gamble. I read an interview with Rutherford, where they said they did their homework. Talking to ex teammates, they even talked to Boudreau at the draft and said he is a great teammate and only gets a bad rap from outsiders

Def worth the gamble. I read an interview with Rutherford, where they said they did their homework. Talking to ex teammates, they even talked to Boudreau at the draft and said he is a great teammate and only gets a bad rap from outsiders
- jsam7

I agree, it was a good signing by Carolina.

LOL at Anaheim wanting both Schenn and Couturier. Give me a break.

Do you think Kessel will have a better season if JVR works out at center?

I really see last season as the best he can do.
- Scabeh

He can have a better season but needs a top line centre to help out. Especially with the physical part. Lupul got hurt and missed the last 15 or so games which didn't help.

Kessel needs to be more consistent in terms of goal scoring. Although he isn't much different than a lot of others.

I don't think JVR will actually be the #1 centre for them. I think they are trying to look less desperate in hopes to make a deal.

I'm so tired of that Julie's UMASS message. Ugh.
- dawgzhouse

Just install adblock plus on your browser. Problem solved.

And 6th in points in the NHL without an adequate centre.
- jsam7

Best 60 goals scorer who never score 40. I don't know how that can happend but it happend on the Leafs fans and Burke brain.

He can have a better season but needs a top line centre to help out. Especially with the physical part. Lupul got hurt and missed the last 15 or so games which didn't help.

Kessel needs to be more consistent in terms of goal scoring. Although he isn't much different than a lot of others.

I don't think JVR will actually be the #1 centre for them. I think they are trying to look less desperate in hopes to make a deal.
- jsam7

I agree about JVR, still see him as winger with lots of potential if he can stay healthy.

As for Kessel.... thanks for the input, I still don't see it happening but I can see why it makes sense replacing Bozak by a real #1 center would help.

So.......in essence (IMO) it appears the Ducks really have no intention
dealing Ryan. They don't have to and he knows it. Just checking out what market value is on him and how desperate teams are to have him.

Seems like a waste of time and to move on to others