The Toronto Maple Leafs have recently stated that they are about to partake in a full rebuild, hopefully one with no short-cuts, and star Phil Kessel has been linked to multiple trade rumours over the past few days.
With that established, it stands to reason that we mush all ask ourselves - what is Phil Kessel worth and where could he go?
…‹This is actually a tough question given not only what the Leafs initially paid to acquire him in the first place, but also because Kessel carries a very expensive contract at $8 million per year and not many teams could take on such a deal without moving a few bodies to make him fit.
I have created a short list of three teams and potential trade targets that could be a nice trade for the Leafs and their partner. Again, trading Kessel would not be an easy task and Kessel has a list of eight (8) teams where he would accept a trade to, and I have a feeling that the three listed below are likely not on said list. But, let's give it a shot just the same.
1) Florida Panthers - Florida seems like a good team to have Kessel. They're a team that have been rebuilding for a handful of years now and are on the verge of becoming a team in the Eastern Conference that will make the playoffs year after year. In fact, they're just two points behind the Boston Bruins for the final Wild Card spot in the East. They're a team that does not give up.
By adding Kessel, the Panthers are gaining a talented forward who will add a veteran presence to young core. Kessel would become the Panthers go-to-guy for scoring and take pressure off a few of their young guys.
It would be really interesting to see Kessel in a much smaller market like Florida, because unlike Toronto, the media presence there is not on the same level and that could be a good thing for this particular player.
Potential Players To Trade? Bjugstad, Gudbranson, and Draft Picks. That said, Florida won't move much young talent for a veteran forward, even a guy like Kessel, but these are names that it would take and Dallon may eventually bite. Maybe.
2) New York Islanders - The Islanders could use another winger with Kyle Okposo out with an injury. Kessel would be a great addition to a team that is already fast and the Islanders are strong down the middle and would be a great trading partner with the Leafs. Many believe this is the year for the Islanders to make a big splash and run for the cup, and Kessel playing alongside Tavares would be...unfair.
The team has some wiggle room in terms of cap, and I'm sure the Leafs will take any contracts they'd like to shed to make the deal happen...if it means taking on a top prospect.
Potential Players To Trade? Griffin Reinhart, Michael Dal Colle, Ryan Pulock, Josh Ho-Sang, and Draft Picks.
3) Columbus Blue Jackets - The Blue Jackets are faced with a big list of injuries this season and they could use a player like Phil Kessel to turn the team around. By adding Kessel, the team is bringing on a forward who will make an immediate impact to the roster and there a many pieces within the organization that would help the Leafs during the rebuild.
The Jackets won't be making the playoffs this year, so I could see any deal happening during the off-season.
Potential Players To Trade? Ryan Murray, Kerby Rychel, Alexander Wennberg, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Sonny Milano and Draft Picks.
Honorable Mentions -
Boston Bruins: Well, the Bruins have some cap issues to figure out but Kessel back in Boston would be a huge addition for a team who is fighting for a playoff spot and have struggled with scoring. They may be moving a few bodies over the next week or so and throughout the summer depending on how their playoff hunt goes, so it will be interesting to see what they do next. They have a few players within the org that could help the Leafs too...but I would be a little surprised to see these two teams make a big trade again. Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes struggle to score and that's been a huge issue for a few seasons now and Kessel would bring an offensive force to the team. They have a some great prospects within the organization, like Max Domi who would love to be in Toronto where his dad, Tie, played for many seasons. A move like this would likely, again, be in the off season.
What are your thoughts on Kessel and his worth? Any teams you could see make strong pitches for his services?