The problem with the trade isn't the level of Kessel's talent. The problem is in about 3-5 years there is going to be missing talent on the Leafs and unless Burke comes up with some shrewd moves to fix it that lack of talent will set the Leafs back 3-5 years from now. With Kessel's habit of disappearing for long stretches is he even going to be a Leaf in 5 years? I don't think it takes a genius(or as shack would say armchair wannabe GMs)to realize that if you are a bottom of the standings team than the best thing you can do is take your lumps and bottom out. Just look at the last 2 Stanley Cup champions. 3 or 4 years ago for the Hawks and 5 to 6 for the Pens were not bright days for those franchises. They took their lumps, drafted wisely(admittedly Pens got lucky after lockout lottery) and have left the Leafs in their dust because they invested in young elite talent. Seems like a sound build a perennial winning franchise philosphy to me.
Burke also trashes high 1st rounders when discussing why he did the Kessel trade but look at the best moves he's made. The Sedin twins and Pronger twice. How did he acquire those players for the Canucks and Whalers. Yeah who needs high 1st round picks.
Burke also trashes high 1st rounders when discussing why he did the Kessel trade but look at the best moves he's made. The Sedin twins and Pronger twice. How did he acquire those players for the Canucks and Whalers. Yeah who needs high 1st round picks.
