Kessel is a great complimentary 1st liner. He needs someone else to play with him who can A) pass and B) score. I wouldn't say top 6 NHL scorer but definitely top 10-15.
- Unholy_Forward

I'd say right around where he is now is about right.

No there like oil and water from what I've witnessed when they play together!
- Garnie

The only time I've seen them play together was on the PP, where more often then not they scored, and a short 2 game trial after the initial Kessel trade. I've never seen them together at any other time.

Might be and I'd say I was wrong if proven as fact. I just don't see it.
- honesthockey

I don't think there is anything of substance to suggest he can't be. Basic reasoning would lead one to believe he can be a top 6 scorer with a true #1C given that he acheived it playing with a #3C.

The key is sustainability. Is it a fact that in the first game this year, Thomas Vanek was a 410 point player???
- lumlums

I don't think there is anything of substance to suggest he can't be. Basic reasoning would lead one to believe he can be a top 6 scorer with a true #1C given that he acheived it playing with a #3C.
- Pen15

Different player with different styles may take him backward just as easily.

Anyone see the article on sportsnet saying outright that Louon8o would not waive his ntc to come to Toronto, and deal was agreed upon. That pretty well ends the Burke saved the Leafs junk.

The only time I've seen them play together was on the PP, where more often then not they scored, and a short 2 game trial after the initial Kessel trade. I've never seen them together at any other time.
- mykokes

Why's that you think?

Kessel is a great complimentary 1st liner. He needs someone else to play with him who can A) pass and B) score. I wouldn't say top 6 NHL scorer but definitely top 10-15.
- Unholy_Forward

Yup. I've always said that when Dion is the second best defenseman and Kessel is the second best forward on the team, then we'll be ready for playoffs. Many argue that Kadri is already better, but we still need that D-man to really make a push

Different player with different styles may take him backward just as easily.
- honesthockey

I'm going off the assumption it's a #1C that suits Kessel's style.

- celata29

I like the pic

Yup. I've always said that when Dion is the second best defenseman and Kessel is the second best forward on the team, then we'll be ready for playoffs. Many argue that Kadri is already better, but we still need that D-man to really make a push
- lumlums

Dan Boyle

Correct. The highest you'll ever see him in the scoring race IMO and Bozak was his center. I see Kessel as maybe a top 20 guy so what will a different center really do for him.
- honesthockey

Kessel's going to score 30 no matter who he's with.

But put him with a center capable of 70+ pts, and Kessel probably goes tot 90+.



And again, in this convo, nobody is saying GET RID of Bozak no matter what. We're saying don't overpay him.

Leafs have enough overpaid guys as it is - that's not a reason to add another one.

Keep Bozak at $3.5 per. Let him walk if he wants $4M+.

Anyone see the article on sportsnet saying outright that Louon8o would not waive his ntc to come to Toronto, and deal was agreed upon. That pretty well ends the Burke saved the Leafs junk.
- Leafland

Doug Maclean reported that...

DOUG (frank)ING MACLEAN!!

The only time I've seen them play together was on the PP, where more often then not they scored, and a short 2 game trial after the initial Kessel trade. I've never seen them together at any other time.
- mykokes

I think it was last year - didn't seem like any chemistry.
I usually get a good glow on so I'm not going to lie - I can't remember exact games they played or if it was last year or 2 years ago, regardless they didn't seem to gel. IMHO - you might be right maybe they didn't get enough time.

I find grabo likes to carry the puck and shoot lots - perfect fit for Kuleman but something happened and those 2 didn't really get it going again, could have been the changing of wingers etc.

Yup. I've always said that when Dion is the second best defenseman and Kessel is the second best forward on the team, then we'll be ready for playoffs. Many argue that Kadri is already better, but we still need that D-man to really make a push
- lumlums

I just don't like the sample size from Kadri and therefore wouldn't make an argument that he is better than Kessel at this point. He has only played 30 something games at this level.

I really want to see what a line of Lupul/Kadri/Kessel could do, Carlyle should have already been trying that out if they're shopping Bozak.

Anyone see the article on sportsnet saying outright that Louon8o would not waive his ntc to come to Toronto, and deal was agreed upon. That pretty well ends the Burke saved the Leafs junk.
- Leafland

MacLean said he had the scoop today. Lou put the kibosh on a deal with T.O. because he was told by FLA people that they would get a deal done to Florida.

I didn't take it as "never go to Toronto".

Dan Boyle
- Jimmy_wiener

What do you think it would take to get him?

I just don't like the sample size from Kadri and therefore wouldn't make an argument that he is better than Kessel at this point. He has only played 30 something games at this level.
- celata29

I agree completely, however was lynched by some when I made that same statement earlier this week...

Doug Maclean reported that...

DOUG (frank)ING MACLEAN!!
- Pen15

True enough, still seems like pretty strong stuff, even for Maclean.

Why's that you think?
- honesthockey

Why do I think they've been kept separate? the conspiracy person in me would probably suggest that Grabo and Kessel genuinely hate eachother. Or, hockey people are just so set in their ways, ie. Quinn believing Jason Smith was an awkward skater and would never work in the NHL, or Steve Sullivan was too small, or Ron Wilson believing Cody Franson wasn't good enough to be in his top 6, or that Kadri belonged in the AHL.

I really want to see what a line of Lupul/Kadri/Kessel could do, Carlyle should have already been trying that out if they're shopping Bozak.
- ThePresident

Lines are good. What we have points in 9 straight games?

Why's that you think?
- honesthockey

to keep the offence on 2 lines instead of 1, same reason he's not putting Kessel with Kadri and Lupul right now.

Why do I think they've been kept separate? the conspiracy person in me would probably suggest that Grabo and Kessel genuinely hate eachother. Or, hockey people are just so set in their ways, ie. Quinn believing Jason Smith was an awkward skater and would never work in the NHL, or Steve Sullivan was too small, or Ron Wilson believing Cody Franson wasn't good enough to be in his top 6, or that Kadri belonged in the AHL.
- mykokes

2 lines that can score is better than 1.