I think Ottawa could see a really useful Phaneuf as well if they keep him in lower minutes. I always thought his game was MUCH better when he was closer to 20min a game rather than 30. Although who knows how they will use him.
- markmark

Dion will never be as impactful as Kessel. All Sens fans can hope for now is that he plays a sound D game.

I give him full credit for leading the team in playoff points.

If Sid and Geno are not on the team, he probably does still because he'd be their best forward. I'm not disputing that

I'm saying its simple logic that playing against weaker competition because the other team has to shut down 2 studs on the other top lines will amount to an increase in production
- WingmanWillie

Less ice time and playing with less skilled linemates should more than cancel that out. It's pretty rare for a 3rd liner to lead a team in points.

It helps that he's facing relatively weaker competition more regularly.
- A_Tree

with the Leafs he was then facing tougher matchup but put up even better numbers?

Something doesnt add up here..i dont buy that

The difference is he on on a good team that is winning.. Kessel scores no matter where he plays and on what team..as well if he plays up in the lineup..he would then get better linemates I guess...

with the Leafs he was then facing tougher matchup but put up even better numbers?

Something doesnt add up here..i dont buy that

The difference is he on on a good team that is winning.. Kessel scores no matter where he plays and on what team..as well if he plays up in the lineup..he would then get better linemates I guess...
- senstroll

He's playing with Bonino and Hagelin and making them look like legitimate offensive players FFS

True.

But not Kessel's fault.

And it was stupid of Leafs Nation to hold it against him.

Sure is great we ran him out of town for a handful of crap and nothing.
- Atomic Wedgie

Phil is great in transition and in the O-zone ...one of the best. Problem for the Leafs was that they spent most of their time in the d-zone. Phil wasn't the problem but he also wasn't helping fix things.

They took 50c on the dollar for him but in hindsight it was the right thing to do.

Well You would have to add a (frank)ing boatload to pry Larsson from us just look at the minutes he played for us he is a legit NHL top Pairing defender and many might not of noticed it this past season but I bet they do this year. Keep in mind Larsson has gotten next to no time on the pp to get points to look sexy to the fans who don't watch him.
- blizzzard

The Devils will not be parting with Larsson for anyting the Leafs would be willing to offer.

He's playing with Bonino and Hagelin and making them look like legitimate offensive players FFS


- daeth

But really... Who gives a (frank) about Kessel?
He was a lazy fat (frank) that was unbearable to watch.
I'm glad he's gone regardless of what we got back.

It helps that he's facing relatively weaker competition more regularly.
- A_Tree

James Tanner would disagree.

True.

But not Kessel's fault.

And it was stupid of Leafs Nation to hold it against him.

Sure is great we ran him out of town for a handful of crap and nothing.
- Atomic Wedgie

I am not sure we did hold it against him.

Seems that most people recognize the whole organization was a joke.

But really... Who gives a (frank) about Kessel?
He was a lazy fat (frank) that was unbearable to watch.
I'm glad he's gone regardless of what we got back.


- .HOHO.

I hope they get Stamkos at $10M and he puts up less points than Kessel did here while making $8M.

I hope they get Stamkos at $10M and he puts up less points than Kessel did here while making $8M.
- daeth

Way to be positive champ!
I hope you get hit by a bus!

I hope they get Stamkos at $10M and he puts up less points than Kessel did here while making $8M.
- daeth

Okay Spatso. You do that.

Way to be positive champ!
I hope you get hit by a bus!
- .HOHO.

oh

Okay Spatso. You do that.
- systemtool

I hear his defensive game is to die for.

I am not sure we did hold it against him.

Seems that most people recognize the whole organization was a joke.
- Aetherial

I dont get why people think we got nothing. Sure we didn't get a ton but I wouldn't call a very recent 1st round pick in Kapanen, another first albeit late, and Harrington as nothing and being left empty handed. Especially with the contract length Kessel has.

The Devils will not be parting with Larsson for anyting the Leafs would be willing to offer.
- Aetherial

Exactly my thoughts and multiple Leaf and Devils fans have been over this. We just aren't good trading partners despite the fact people want to think we are because Lou used to be our gm. With the Leafs not being heavy on defence to begin with it would be a loss to us almost no matter what we got back as nice as an elite forward prospect would be it just wouldn't replace in any way shape or form what Larsson brings and we would just be creating a huge hole somewhere else.

I hear his defensive game is to die for.
- daeth

Oh.

Yes Kessel's defensive play killed alot of hope. Fans were dying for him to make an effort.

I hope they get Stamkos at $10M and he puts up less points than Kessel did here while making $8M.
- daeth

Toews can't hear you b/c of all of the Cup rings in his ears

Toews can't hear you b/c of all of the Cup rings in his ears
- The Law

Toews > Stamkos

Oh.

Yes Kessel's defensive play killed alot of hope. Fans were dying for him to make an effort.
- systemtool

Both are poop defensively.

Both are poop defensively.
- daeth

I'd say one is worse than the other. But okay. Cool story bro.

Can't wait for the sequels and prequels.

Toews > Stamkos
- daeth

Toews > Stamkos > Kessel


b/c points aren't everything.

I dont get why people think we got nothing. Sure we didn't get a ton but I wouldn't call a very recent 1st round pick in Kapanen, another first albeit late, and Harrington as nothing and being left empty handed. Especially with the contract length Kessel has.
- systemtool

The Leafs did get something. They got bent over without Lube and a very painful, if fond, memory.

I dont get why people think we got nothing. Sure we didn't get a ton but I wouldn't call a very recent 1st round pick in Kapanen, another first albeit late, and Harrington as nothing and being left empty handed. Especially with the contract length Kessel has.
- systemtool

Spaling also got us a 2nd from SJS

two 1sts and two 2nds, if you want to spin it that way

Exactly my thoughts and multiple Leaf and Devils fans have been over this. We just aren't good trading partners despite the fact people want to think we are because Lou used to be our gm. With the Leafs not being heavy on defence to begin with it would be a loss to us almost no matter what we got back as nice as an elite forward prospect would be it just wouldn't replace in any way shape or form what Larsson brings and we would just be creating a huge hole somewhere else.
- blizzzard