I know this wasn't directed at me but his posts were mirror images of my arguments. I'm not saying Kessel doesn't have value much less more than Drouin. However, to Tampa and our current roster plus prospects not even here yet, Kessel doesn't fit in Tampa and the longer term implications of acquiring him do more harm to retaining the current core and young star power.

What you guys don't seem to understand is Tampa is a VERY young team. Over the next few years that youth is going to need new contracts and in the case of Hedman and Stammer quite large contracts. Acquiring Kessel would greatly impact our ability to keep much of that youth. You guys are trying to tell us that Kessel would somehow put us over the top yet somehow you are continuing to ignore our biggest need (and thus our best chance at truly getting there) which is RHD. Period, end of story.
- uf1910

That's why the deal I proposed never involved Kessel. Tampa doesn't need him. But for some reason the dude went out his way to point out that Drouin was better than Kessel. I, like most sane people, disagree. Kessel is more valuable at this point than Drouin. In a couple years if Droin gets to play more he may be worth more than Phil. But not right now.

Stevie Y is a smart GM, but he also realizes that Drouin won't be able to get better in Tampa with the wingers they have in his way. They're close to contending for a cup, and sometimes you need to trade a young valuable piece for players that get you over the top. I'm not saying it's Toronto he deals with, but getting a combo of Kadri, Gardiner, Franson, Winnik, Santoreli would put them close.

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie · 2m 2 minutes ago
DAL acquires G Jonas Enroth from BUF.
- eichiefs9

what the hell do we want with a kessel?
- Flyfreaky

his expertise in nutrition and exercise

his expertise in nutrition and exercise
- Tumbleweed

he's a fourth line winger getting 12 minutes a game

he's a fourth line winger getting 12 minutes a game
- Flyfreaky

he said he would commit to getting into the best shape of his life over the summer

That's why the deal I proposed never involved Kessel. Tampa doesn't need him. But for some reason the dude went out his way to point out that Drouin was better than Kessel. I, like most sane people, disagree. Kessel is more valuable at this point than Drouin. In a couple years if Droin gets to play more he may be worth more than Phil. But not right now.

Stevie Y is a smart GM, but he also realizes that Drouin won't be able to get better in Tampa with the wingers they have in his way. They're close to contending for a cup, and sometimes you need to trade a young valuable piece for players that get you over the top. I'm not saying it's Toronto he deals with, but getting a combo of Kadri, Gardiner, Franson, Winnik, Santoreli would put them close.
- H8terade

Going to wholeheartedly disagree with the bolded statement. He's been getting better in spite of what is above him on the depth chart. That is besides the point of this entire back and forth I've been having. Making a deal for some of what you listed above would help put us over the top this year, but future years our roster would be hurt significantly. However, the way things sit for us we have a good young team that has a chance to compete for the cup for many years. When a team can mix star power like Stammer and Hedman with emerging (and cheap) young talent like Kucherov, Drouin, Palat, and others you have a chance to build a dynasty. That is what yzerman is trying to build, a team and an organization that has a large cup window. Not a short-sighted 1-2 year window

Only way Drouin comes to Toronto:

Toronto:

Drouin

Tampa:

Gardiner
Kadri
- H8terade

I'm pretty sure Toronto would do this trade in a millisecond, but it's not even close to what Tampa would want for Drouin. Not even close.

I'm pretty sure Toronto would do this trade in a millisecond, but it's not even close to what Tampa would want for Drouin. Not even close.
- KOGGS

Leafs would take this and run. Problem is Yzerman already hung up the phone

Leafs would take this and run. Problem is Yzerman already hung up the phone
- uf1910

Hah, ya right there would have to be a hell of a lot more added to Drouin for that trade to make sense for the Leafs.

Any exchange where Evander Kane is involved is a win for the team he's leaving and a loss for the team that receives him. He has possibly the worst attitude in the league.

If all the Bolts want for Drouin is Reilly the Leafs should take it and run...
- whipper334

I think your totally wrong! The leafs do not need drouin over Rielly!! It would be great to get drouin though! But, unless it's for the number one pic this year! Then the leafs should keep what they have! This one I'm sure will bite us in the ass... Keep in mind the rookie training camp... Where Morgan Rielly destroyed everyone in conditioning.. He jumped up the rankings ..he's 20 years old and he reminds me of doughty !

Word is that when Kane came to the MTS Center to clean out his locker today after the trade Byfuglien had his belongings tossed out in the parking lot!

Renaud Lavoie
‏@renlavoietva
Saw a rumor today. #lightning Jonathan Drouin for #leafs Morgan Reilly !!! That's quite something no ? Guess what, it won't happen.

LOL so Ek....E3 or E4?....

Called it last night,
Myers
Stafford
Armia
Lemieux
Either first or second
For
Kane
Bogosian
1 st rounder
- Buffalo39

yes you did. well done

- Flyfreaky

that's not funny...poor kid

Tampa needs D and toughness, they can score plenty of goals. I believe they'd discuss moving Drouin but if there is not at least a top 2 Dman (Rielly) in play and more in play that can make an impact on a deep playoff run, its not happening...at least not with the Leafs. Stevie Y didn't build this franchise from scratch to nothing.

I find Eklunds baseless trade rumors entertaining and lead to good banter but Drouin's agent just crushed Eklund on twitter.

https://twitter.com/walsha/with_replies

I find Eklunds baseless trade rumors entertaining and lead to good banter but Drouin's agent just crushed Eklund on twitter.

https://twitter.com/walsha/with_replies
- stammerman

"People...the rumor guy's trade rumors have been proven wrong 99% of the time. You have to work really hard to be that wrong, that often." - Allan Walsh

"After rumor guy makes up these ridiculous trade rumors, puts it on his website, he sits back, counts the traffic to his site." - Allan Walsh

it's more funny cuz I have adblock so dear old Ek doesn't get nothing lol