It beats watching him walk away for nothing. Does anyone really get the impression that Phil likes playing here, this city, the media spotlight?

Also, this top 5 pick might be able to do more in a hockey game than score off the rush.
- 1979AD

I agree. He's outta here, the minute his contract is up. The only way he stays, is if he gets a $7 million dollar contract to stay in this fishbowl. I'd rather swap him off for a top goalie, a top notch center, with size, or take my chances in the draft lottery, with a team near the bottom. I'm curious if Columbus would be a good trading partner, in such a transaction? He may be a fit with them, or maybe Anaheim. I'm not sure that Anaheim will be willing to spend 6.5 million on both Getzlaf and Perry. Kessel is a cheaper alternative.

If he does not put name to paper on an extension then you do it, but I doubt we get back the same value.
- LeafMan

Doesn't his NTC kick in before they can extend him??

Doesn't his NTC kick in before they can extend him??
- Fruitcakenipple

he has a limited NTC/NMC in 2013-14.

So you want to gamble on a might be from something that is proven? Right now it is only speculation by fans that he will walk, no one knows but Kessel and his agent, when or if the time comes, then you make a deal.
- LeafMan

Of course. I would check on how open he is to an extension during his contract year, and if so how much it would cost. I wouldn't move him now unless a good offer came along.

What impression do you have about his feelings towards playing for the buds?

he has a limited NTC/NMC in 2013-14.
- LeafMan

If u wanna move him to the highest bidder u have to do that before the NTC kicks in this summer...

he has a limited NTC/NMC in 2013-14.
- LeafMan

Which means you can't negotiate an extension until the NTC/NMC kicks in, meaning if you can't sign him, you can't trade him where ever you want either.

Of course. I would check on how open he is to an extension during his contract year, and if so how much it would cost. I wouldn't move him now unless a good offer came along.

What impression do you have about his feelings towards playing for the buds?
- 1979AD

I have no idea, he is such a recluse it seems, hard person to read whether he is happy or sad. Contray to what people say here, Kessel is an elite player in the NHL, as for franchise player, well I'm one that does not use that word lightly, to me there is only a few true franchise players in the NHL, the rest I classify as stars.

What impression do you have about his feelings towards playing for the buds?
- 1979AD

Pay me or I'm leaving attitude is what got him in Toronto in the first place. Add to that a pressure filled market and a bad team and you got one ticket to Splitzville.

If u wanna move him to the highest bidder u have to do that before the NTC kicks in this summer...
- Fruitcakenipple

Do it between now and the dead line it's a sure fire way 2 tank and u will get the best return

trade Kessel and lupul as a pair
4 firsts and 2 seconds

Do it between now and the dead line it's a sure fire way 2 tank and u will get the best return
- The_Vark

Would be the best time to move him...


I'm ok with keeping Kessel but it's gonna be very expensive as money was the reason he was traded from the B's...

Do it between now and the dead line it's a sure fire way 2 tank and u will get the best return
- The_Vark

I'm thinking St. Louis. They need goal scoring and they have boatloads of really nice top prospects.

trade Kessel and lupul as a pair
4 firsts and 2 seconds
- senstroll

To cbj

Which means you can't negotiate an extension until the NTC/NMC kicks in, meaning if you can't sign him, you can't trade him where ever you want either.
- Two_For_Truth

Good luck trying to find equal value from the top 8 teams in the NHL, chances are very, very slim that you will find a top 6 scorer with the 22nd to 30th pick. What is the point trading him for some prospects that might be good, it is a losing proposition for still a young player.

trade Kessel and lupul as a pair
4 firsts and 2 seconds
- senstroll

Phaneuf too. Don't forget to trade Alphaneuf too.

Which part is confusing you?
- WayneZ

The part about calling Lou for help...and the Kovy fiasco...
Really the entire thing...

I'm thinking St. Louis. They need goal scoring and they have boatloads of really nice top prospects.
- Two_For_Truth

I like Florida, Huberdeau, Markstrom and a pick

Good luck trying to find equal value from the top 8 teams in the NHL, chances are very, very slim that you will find a top 6 scorer with the 22nd to 30th pick.
- LeafMan

A 1st round pick is only part of the deal. There would be a lot more coming with it to make it work.

Also try to remember that the Leafs 1st overall pick would be greatly improved so there's that to consider too.

I'm thinking St. Louis. They need goal scoring and they have boatloads of really nice top prospects.
- Two_For_Truth

If they Do it right they can pick 3/4 times in the first round

Kessel gets u 1 pick plus

Lupul gets u 1 pick plus

Dion gets u 1 pick plus


And u could get one for Mac ( a late one ) if he plays well

I like Florida, Huberdeau, Markstrom and a pick
- senstroll

I like that. But Florida probably doesn't.

I'm thinking St. Louis. They need goal scoring and they have boatloads of really nice top prospects.
- Two_For_Truth

That would be cool...realistically what kind of return would you want from StL?

I like that. But Florida probably doesn't.
- Two_For_Truth

we can sweeten it a little.

If they Do it right they can pick 3/4 times in the first round

Kessel gets u 1 pick plus

Lupul gets u 1 pick plus

Dion gets u 1 pick plus

And u could get one for Mac ( a late one ) if he plays well
- The_Vark

This is starting to look too good therefore it has no chance of happening.

I have no idea, he is such a recluse it seems, hard person to read whether he is happy or sad. Contray to what people say here, Kessel is an elite player in the NHL, as for franchise player, well I'm one that does not use that word lightly, to me there is only a few true franchise players in the NHL, the rest I classify as stars.
- LeafMan

I can't reconcile how a recluse would want to play under a microscope. I'll give you that he's an elite off the rush goal scorer. That's it. He doesn't back check, he doesn't cycle the puck, he plays with absolutely no heart and passion in his game and he has no desire to lead. I don't know how you can consider that an elite player.

has a team had 3 or more picks in the first round before?