Kessel has always played well with pavelski in international competition. I suppose a top line of Thornton, Pavelski, and Kessel would be ok

Realistically, what would it take to get him? Couture would be an over payment. Marleau +? Burns, Vlasic, Pavelski, Thornton aren't on the table.
- SJFreez19

Although it would likely against the rebuild, I would certainly believe Thornton would be on SJs table.

Kessel has always played well with pavelski in international competition. I suppose a top line of Thornton, Pavelski, and Kessel would be ok

Realistically, what would it take to get him? Couture would be an over payment. Marleau +? Burns, Vlasic, Pavelski, Thornton aren't on the table.
- SJFreez19

Why would the Leafs want Marleau? You have to give to get here. He would cost you Couture at least.

Why would the Leafs want Marleau? You have to give to get here. He would cost you Couture at least.
- Kinger34

I get it. And I'm not discounting Kessel at all. I understand he is a pure scorer and one of the best currently in the league. Problem is that it's pretty much all he brings (other than a large contract) and if he's not scoring, he's nothing. Couture while not as prolific a scorer, does have good offensive talent, good face off guy, plays PK, shot blocking machine, etc. So if Couture isn't scoring, he's doing other things. Also sig Ed to a pretty decent contact. Oh, and he's not fat like Kessel. Anyways I wouldn't mind trading Couture because I'm not a fan of his attitude but you'd be giving us Kessel+ for him

Why would the Leafs want Marleau? You have to give to get here. He would cost you Couture at least.
- Kinger34

Leafs just picked up Marincin from the Oilers... and Edmonton got Gryba from the Sens

Ek, there is no rush for the Leafs to trade Kessel or Phaneuf. They aren't cap bonked, and they certainly aren't a player or two away from contending, or making the playoffs for that matter, so there's no reason not to wait for the best return on their assets.

Kessel has always played well with pavelski in international competition. I suppose a top line of Thornton, Pavelski, and Kessel would be ok

Realistically, what would it take to get him? Couture would be an over payment. Marleau +? Burns, Vlasic, Pavelski, Thornton aren't on the table.
- SJFreez19

starts with Hertl, 2016 1st and Braun
perhaps Burish as additional cap hit

dumb move.... gave up SO much to get him and he's only 27 and did practically all of the leafs scoring for the last 3-4 years.
- BALUCHA

Calgary was just prIsed for giving up three pick for Dougie Hamilton.

Besides it doesn't matter what you paid for anything, what it is worth now is all that matters.

I get it. And I'm not discounting Kessel at all. I understand he is a pure scorer and one of the best currently in the league. Problem is that it's pretty much all he brings (other than a large contract) and if he's not scoring, he's nothing. Couture while not as prolific a scorer, does have good offensive talent, good face off guy, plays PK, shot blocking machine, etc. So if Couture isn't scoring, he's doing other things. Also sig Ed to a pretty decent contact. Oh, and he's not fat like Kessel. Anyways I wouldn't mind trading Couture because I'm not a fan of his attitude but you'd be giving us Kessel+ for him
- SJFreez19

I actually think straight up is a pretty fair deal. You're right that Couture brings a more rounded game while Kessel excels at scoring and to an extent playmaking. Phil may be tubby but he is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL.

I guess it would all depend on what SJ wants/needs and if Kessel fills that. I don't think $$$$ work so it would have to be a deal with more parts.

Why would the Leafs want Marleau? You have to give to get here. He would cost you Couture at least.
- Kinger34

If you think Couture would be coming back then you don't understand how NHL trades work. You're not getting a top line NHL player for him. It just isn't happening. Top line prospect yes. But giving up a top line NHLer for Kessel would be a lateral move.

Calgary was just prIsed for giving up three pick for Dougie Hamilton.

Besides it doesn't matter what you paid for anything, what it is worth now is all that matters.
- hockey_mad

Calgary is a decent team though. The Leafs were always going to be terrible with or without Kessel. Everyone knew it but Burke. It's why that trade was panned from day 1 outside of Toronto.

starts with Hertl, 2016 1st and Braun
perhaps Burish as additional cap hit
- BorjeFan4Ever

Sorry, that's absolutely ludicrous.

could they just not make that part of the trade. Toronto pays the $4 mil due july 1st?

Nobody wants Kessel at the price the Leafs are asking.

If it was happening, it would've went down yesterday and a 1st rounder would have been involved.

If you think Couture would be coming back then you don't understand how NHL trades work. You're not getting a top line NHL player for him. It just isn't happening. Top line prospect yes. But giving up a top line NHLer for Kessel would be a lateral move.
- DoubleDown

Cool story bro.

Here's something else: trades are based on needs. If scoring is what SJ thinks they need then as much as it is a lateral move it fills the team's need. You think every time a trade is made GM's are looking to win? Lateral move trades happen all the time.

Cool story bro.

Here's something else: trades are based on needs. If scoring is what SJ thinks they need then as much as it is a lateral move it fills the team's need. You think every time a trade is made GM's are looking to win? Lateral move trades happen all the time.
- Kinger34

Dubas isn't going to want Couture in the first place.

Cool story bro.

Here's something else: trades are based on needs. If scoring is what SJ thinks they need then as much as it is a lateral move it fills the team's need. You think every time a trade is made GM's are looking to win? Lateral move trades happen all the time.
- Kinger34

Oh yea? Name 3 in the last 3 years..

Nobody wants Kessel at the price the Leafs are asking.

If it was happening, it would've went down yesterday and a 1st rounder would have been involved.
- Snowblind

The other GM's though the kid (Dubas) would fold under the pressure and accept their low ball offer...he didn't. Eventually, the Leafs will get their price, there's no rush to do it now.

Kessel is going to the Capitals. They stated they're in the market for a top line RW and Kessel fills that need. When the Kessel rumours first broke loose it seemed like Nashville, Minnesota, or Washington was going to be his likely destination.

a couple weeks later and these teams still haven't done anything. So why not work the phones and make a deal with Nsh Minny or Was? All three are solid teams and I think it would work best for both parties.

Please stop Eck with the Kessel stuff. It was like a week ago where he was probably going to be traded by nights end.. then over and over close etc. today was he WILL be moved today.. not gonna happen. He and Dion will start season with Leafs. I am more disappointed that Bozak Reimer and Lupul couldn't be moved for some kind of draft pick

Oh yea? Name 3 in the last 3 years..
- user1

JVR for Schenn (at the time)
St. Louis for Callahan
Sekac for Smith-Pelley

Please stop Eck with the Kessel stuff. It was like a week ago where he was probably going to be traded by nights end.. then over and over close etc. today was he WILL be moved today.. not gonna happen. He and Dion will start season with Leafs. I am more disappointed that Bozak Reimer and Lupul couldn't be moved for some kind of draft pick
- Popcorn Kid

So there is a sane Leaf fan around here.

Kessel Watch 2015

19th of June --- Imminent, could happen this weekend
21st of June --- Talks heating up.
24th of June --- Pittsburgh
25th of June --- Skinner involved
26th of June --- There is a market, don't fool yourselves
27th of June --- 4 Million Dollar payout, no problem....

JVR for Schenn (at the time)
St. Louis for Callahan
Sekac for Smith-Pelley
- Kinger34

JVR for Schenn is forward for D, not sure how thats lateral
Sekac and Smith Pelley are as different of forwards as you can get where some skill was traded for grit and St.Louis asked for a trade as for Callahan was on expiring contract

Please stop Eck with the Kessel stuff. It was like a week ago where he was probably going to be traded by nights end.. then over and over close etc. today was he WILL be moved today.. not gonna happen. He and Dion will start season with Leafs. I am more disappointed that Bozak Reimer and Lupul couldn't be moved for some kind of draft pick
- Popcorn Kid

Agree 100%. Shanahan just said they are not going to be as busy as other teams on July 1st. Ecklund is a big scam, he throws out these carrots at the end of a string (breaking news stories) each week, none of which comes to fruition.

He's pretty much like Shanny, pulling the wool over our eyes.

JVR for Schenn is forward for D, not sure how thats lateral
Sekac and Smith Pelley are as different of forwards as you can get where some skill was traded for grit and St.Louis asked for a trade as for Callahan was on expiring contract
- user1

Sigh.

Need for need is a lateral move. The players involved don't necessarily have to be in the same position. Do you understand this concept?

Take the Sekac for Smith-Pelley deal. Montreal needed size up front and had an abundance of small, skilled forwards. Anaheim had a ton of size up front and wanted some speed and skill. Both teams traded from a position of strength to address a weakness. Both teams improved in the area of need yet neither team "won" the trade. Hence a lateral move for both.