Since the moment Mike Babcock signed, media around the country has asked the question, what will the Maple Leafs do with Phil Kessel? So in today’s blog I thought I’d just my thoughts on where one of the NHLs best goal-scorers will end up.
Enjoy
Nashville Predators- 45%
There’s just something about Phil Kessel in Nashville that just seems right. Their GM, David Poile and head coach, Peter Laviolette, are very familiar with him from the USA Olympic team. Kessel seems sick of the spotlight, so he wouldn’t have so much of that in Nashville. The Predators have a ton of cap space. The Predators could use a little more offence, having finished 13th in league scoring. And lastly, Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne would make Kessel a lot better defensively just being on the ice with him. And they showed a willingness last year to make the big move.
Florida Panthers- 30%
The Panthers seem to show each year they aren’t afraid to spend money, so I think given the right deal they wouldn’t be scared off of Kessel’s contract. Like Nashville, Florida isn’t a hockey market, so I could see Kessel fairly comfortable there. This team also needs scoring having only notched 206 goals this past season. The big question here, would Florida part with the No. 11 pick for Kessel, if the circumstances were right, ie keeping cash or taking a bad contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs- 20%
As much talk as there is around Kessel, I don’t deal him unless one of two things happens. One, Kessel demands a deal – nothing ever really goes well when a player does asks for a deal and news like that often leaks out. Or two, a team steps up with a good offer. Kessel is a good player and his contract isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. The guy scores goals and that is a tough thing to do in today’s NHL. If Kessel is fine being there and teams only low-ball the Leafs, I think he’ll be a Maple Leaf come fall. After all, Babcock impact his game in a good way.
Montreal Canadiens- 5%
Montreal could definitely use Kessel’s scoring, but they do have other needs that I think that are higher on their to do list. I think they go looking for a top-6 centre first and then a defenceman second. If they still have the space they will likely at least kick tires on Phil Kessel. But even if a deal does get worked out, I can’t see Kessel agreeing to play there after what he’s been through in Toronto.
Deals I’d Pitch if I were the Leafs GM
To Toronto- Colton Sissons, Ryan Ellis and Two 2nd round pick in – 2015 & 2016
For
To Nashville- Phil Kessel
Or
To Toronto- No. 11 overall and Brandon Pirri
For
To Florida- Phil Kessel (Toronto retains 1.5 million each year)
Do you take either of those deals?
Thanks for reading
Ian
Enjoy
Nashville Predators- 45%
There’s just something about Phil Kessel in Nashville that just seems right. Their GM, David Poile and head coach, Peter Laviolette, are very familiar with him from the USA Olympic team. Kessel seems sick of the spotlight, so he wouldn’t have so much of that in Nashville. The Predators have a ton of cap space. The Predators could use a little more offence, having finished 13th in league scoring. And lastly, Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne would make Kessel a lot better defensively just being on the ice with him. And they showed a willingness last year to make the big move.
Florida Panthers- 30%
The Panthers seem to show each year they aren’t afraid to spend money, so I think given the right deal they wouldn’t be scared off of Kessel’s contract. Like Nashville, Florida isn’t a hockey market, so I could see Kessel fairly comfortable there. This team also needs scoring having only notched 206 goals this past season. The big question here, would Florida part with the No. 11 pick for Kessel, if the circumstances were right, ie keeping cash or taking a bad contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs- 20%
As much talk as there is around Kessel, I don’t deal him unless one of two things happens. One, Kessel demands a deal – nothing ever really goes well when a player does asks for a deal and news like that often leaks out. Or two, a team steps up with a good offer. Kessel is a good player and his contract isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. The guy scores goals and that is a tough thing to do in today’s NHL. If Kessel is fine being there and teams only low-ball the Leafs, I think he’ll be a Maple Leaf come fall. After all, Babcock impact his game in a good way.
Montreal Canadiens- 5%
Montreal could definitely use Kessel’s scoring, but they do have other needs that I think that are higher on their to do list. I think they go looking for a top-6 centre first and then a defenceman second. If they still have the space they will likely at least kick tires on Phil Kessel. But even if a deal does get worked out, I can’t see Kessel agreeing to play there after what he’s been through in Toronto.
Deals I’d Pitch if I were the Leafs GM
To Toronto- Colton Sissons, Ryan Ellis and Two 2nd round pick in – 2015 & 2016
For
To Nashville- Phil Kessel
Or
To Toronto- No. 11 overall and Brandon Pirri
For
To Florida- Phil Kessel (Toronto retains 1.5 million each year)
Do you take either of those deals?
Thanks for reading
Ian