I think you can make a lot of comparisons between Kessel and Vanek

Kessel is faster of course

When Kessel was the 4th or 5th option, he thrived like Vanek did
Then Kessel is moved to the leafs and their building block up front, like Vanek was after Briere and Drury left

Once they both got paid, the expectations were so high on both players and neither player has elite talent around them

Then they get the bad label because the GM can't give them 1 or 2 linemates with equivalent skills.

IMO Kessel is a much better player then Vanek and will only get better but both players would be a fringe all star player on a yearly basis with a pass first top line legit center

side note Kessel has over 130 points in his last 130 games
- homiedclown

The label isn't completely undeserved though. There are players who benefit from better teammates, and then there are players who make their teammates around them better. I want more guys of the latter. If I have to say, "well he'd be much better if he had another guy of his caliber to play with", then he isn't as valuable as advertised. For the type of payday that either player is going to get, he shouldn't need anybody to play with.

Because I saw that pic, I quit my job, got an 8 ball and am currently sitting in a seedy hotel room with a bottle of Hennessy and 2 very distracted hookers. Thanks a lot.
- mes418

Nice. I'll upgrade you to the presidential suite.

Nice. I'll upgrade you to the presidential suite.
- seedy

Thanks, here's my last 10 bucks.

1st blog in weeks I actually feel like commenting on. Goes to show the lack of quality lately...

Anyway, I dont understand where this sudden confidence in Vanek re-signing is coming from, because its simply isnt going to happen.

Now Garth is right on the whole Kessel/Vanek thing. They are going to get 8 yr, 60-70 mil deals IMO, but Kessel is the one far more likely to stay where hes at. The Leafs are poised to make a playoff run for the next 3-5 years with the pieces they have, while the Sabres, unless lightning strikes fast (and with the depth of young talent they have, it very well could) are looking at a 2 year window from being a 7-8 playoff team, let alone a quality contending team.

Its looking more and more likely that Vanek will be a Sabre to start the season, but dont get used to the picture of him in blue and gold. That interview he did with the Minny TV station showed me a man who has his mind 90% made up. If this team doesnt show a real attitude towards being a winner right away, hes walking next summer, if he isnt traded sooner.

Regier can do himself a real favor by putting him on the market immediately. His return will be an even further shot in the arm towards the future
- CaptPantalones

If he wants $8 million+ per I'll help him pack his bags. That would be ridiculous.