For sure. But I think there's a better chance now than there has been in 20 years for a team with the potential to dominate the division for years to emerge. I'm not AA's white knight, I won't lose sleep if a there's a new GM next year. At the same time, writing off AA's work is folly.
- 1979AD

Yup let's forget the prospects he traded to compete for a World Series. How did that end up?

On an unrelated note, you know the guy who became a stool pigeon and ratted out FIFA?

Chuck Blazer?

This, my dear friends, is Chuck Blazer:



I hate to say it, but he does kinda look like a guy who took a bribe or two.

Not so much like a soccer official.

Kessel will likely get dealt because he's an elite offensive guy- and even if there were any guys like him available in UFA, they wouldn't be any cheaper.

Many teams who think they're ready for the next step could slot him in their top line without issue.

So, lack of supply, and a good amount of demand means the Leafs should be able to get a great price, similar to the Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, or Mike Richards deals.


- Schenn-Sational!

Nash got 3 youngish players in return and 1 first, so they took pretty much the salary they got back. The Leafs are trying to avoid this situation, they want picks and prospects. Carter got Vorecheck a first and a 3rd. No more than what I expect. Simmonds, Schenn and a 2nd for Richards, again, not prospects or picks (really). If this is the return for Phil it's pretty realistic but less than many on here are expecting...

On an unrelated note, you know the guy who became a stool pigeon and ratted out FIFA?

Chuck Blazer?

This, my dear friends, is Chuck Blazer:



I hate to say it, but he does kinda look like a guy who took a bribe or two.

Not so much like a soccer official.
- Atomic Wedgie

I'm pretty sure he wrote the 5 Game of Thrones books.

Nash got 3 youngish players in return and 1 first, so they took pretty much the salary they got back. The Leafs are trying to avoid this situation, they want picks and prospects. Carter got Vorecheck a first and a 3rd. No more than what I expect. Simmonds, Schenn and a 2nd for Richards, again, not prospects or picks (really). If this is the return for Phil it's pretty realistic but less than many on here are expecting...
- aminnes

Something like that would do just fine.

On an unrelated note, you know the guy who became a stool pigeon and ratted out FIFA?

Chuck Blazer?

This, my dear friends, is Chuck Blazer:



I hate to say it, but he does kinda look like a guy who took a bribe or two.

Not so much like a soccer official.
- Atomic Wedgie

is fifa hiring or what?
I want in on this money

Something like that would do just fine.
- 1979AD

In the leafs case if they took that it could easily go the other way because who thought Vorececk was going to be a top guy when that trade was made?... I'm fine with that deal either way, just saying...

In the leafs case if they took that it could easily go the other way because who thought Vorececk was going to be a top guy when that trade was made?... I'm fine with that deal either way, just saying...
- aminnes

He was drafted 7th overall. He was a highly touted prospect.

On an unrelated note, you know the guy who became a stool pigeon and ratted out FIFA?

Chuck Blazer?

This, my dear friends, is Chuck Blazer:



I hate to say it, but he does kinda look like a guy who took a bribe or two.

Not so much like a soccer official.
- Atomic Wedgie

Looks like the Dos Equis guy stayed real thirsty for about 20 years

Looks like the Dos Equis guy stayed real thirsty for about 20 years
- TheThrill

Looks like the Dos Equis guy stayed real thirsty for about 20 years
- TheThrill

Looks like the Dos Equis guy stayed real thirsty for about 20 years
- TheThrill

Looks like Bruce....by Xmas this year

For sure. But I think there's a better chance now than there has been in 20 years for a team with the potential to dominate the division for years to emerge. I'm not AA's white knight, I won't lose sleep if a there's a new GM next year. At the same time, writing off his work is folly.
- 1979AD

Obviously losing Stroman was a big blow, they were counting on 200 innings and 15 wins from the guy. Sio he gets a mully on the starting pitching.

But thinking guys like Castro were going to cut it at the major league level was a big error in judgement, as well as Pompey.

I don't know if Rogers is preventing him from spending to fill out the roster properly or he has just made bad decisions.

He can't say he hasn't been given time.

Looks like the Dos Equis guy stayed real thirsty for about 20 years
- TheThrill

Obviously losing Stroman was a big blow, they were counting on 200 innings and 15 wins from the guy. Sio he gets a mully on the starting pitching.

But thinking guys like Castro were going to cut it at the major league level was a big error in judgement, as well as Pompey.

I don't know if Rogers is preventing him from spending to fill out the roster properly or he has just made bad decisions.

He can't say he hasn't been given time.
- Rang

All valid points. 4 games back with 100+ games to go though. Too early to give up on the season.

Looks like the Dos Equis guy stayed real thirsty for about 20 years
- TheThrill

All valid points. 4 games back with 100+ games to go though. Too early to give up on the season.
- 1979AD

These are the same people who will be calling Babcock a failure when the Leafs are sub-500 in January.

Just awful fans that simply don't get it.

He was drafted 7th overall. He was a highly touted prospect.
- 1979AD

True, just saying if it had been say Kadri, the deal wouldn't look as good now, so the leafs could end up with either or maybe even worse, no guarantees on a deal like that, but it's still a decent deal...

True, just saying if it had been say Kadri, the deal wouldn't look as good now, so the leafs could end up with either or maybe even worse, no guarantees on a deal like that, but it's still a decent deal...
- aminnes

No guarantees is what makes it interesting. Tim Erixon or David Rundblad, anyone?

No guarantees is what makes it interesting. Tim Erixon or David Rundblad, anyone?
- 1979AD

Erixon is gonna be a pillar on the 3rd pairing next year.

These are the same people who will be calling Babcock a failure when the Leafs are sub-500 in January.

Just awful fans that simply don't get it.
- TheThrill

I think you're the one who doesn't get it. You mean like how the last two season fans like you were saying the same thing about the Jays. Oh it's too early. This team was made to win now and they aren't. It's so funny how so many people think AA is a savior. The Jays don't have the prospects to compete and they don't have the team to compete now.

They have a middle of the road farm team and that's nowhere near enough to turn a baseball team around.

The Jays are a mess.

First, it was AA is going to make us win now from the trades he did. Then when that fails they switch to oh we have great prospects when they are in the middle.

Mike Augello: Surveying The NHL Landscape – Where Will Phil Kessel Be Traded??
- mikeinbuffalo

He won't be

I think you're the one who doesn't get it. You mean like how the last two season fans like you were saying the same thing about the Jays. Oh it's too early. This team was made to win now and they aren't. It's so funny how so many people think AA is a savior. The Jays don't have the prospects to compete and they don't have the team to compete now.

They have a middle of the road farm team and that's no where enough to turn a baseball team around.

The Jays are a mess.

First, it was AA is going to make us win now from the trades he did. Then when that fails they switch to oh we have great prospects when they are in the middle.
- KesselRules

No, no. You have it all wrong.

I'm the one who doesn't really give a flying (frank) about baseball.

In the leafs case if they took that it could easily go the other way because who thought Vorececk was going to be a top guy when that trade was made?... I'm fine with that deal either way, just saying...
- aminnes

a lot of people.

He was drafted 7th overall. He was a highly touted prospect.
- 1979AD

yup