So with this season pretty much at an end, I have some observations to make about everyone's favourite NHL Franchise.
Lets start by analyzing the Kessel deal. Thirty goals in 69 games played, 25 assists and a minus 9. Those aren't bad numbers. Some fans will cry that Toronto will now be losing a second overall draft pick in the first round, but if we look at Taveres (who was a first overall), he has played 80 games, scored twenty two goals, and has 28 assist for a total of 50 points (5 less then Kessel, but playing in 11 more games than Kessel).
So, by logical extension, even if the Leafs had a first or second overall draft - the numbers for that draft pick would not necessarily be as good as Kessel's numbers. Add to the equation that the Leafs traded something they weren't going to see a return on until next season at the earliest (namely a 1st round draft pick for next season), to get a top player for this season - and it becomes difficult to argue that they got the short end of the stick here.
Its also important to note that by keeping Kadri in the OHL, the Leafs will in fact have a recent first drafter on the ice next year afterall - just not two like they would have Had if they hadn't made the Kessel deal.
Its possible Kaberle can be traded for a 2nd round pick, he is a decent defenceman - and again, things seem to be looking good for Leaf nation.
The big question mark is The Monster. He didn't impress for much of the season, so much so in fact, that Giguere was brought in to steady the ship. Since then, however, he seems to have found some form - although the team as a whole is playing better now (so perhaps The Monster has simply been the beneficiary of that). The question is whether he is a genuine starter? His seasons numbers are 16 wins 15 losses a 2.87 Goals Against Average, and a .902 save percentage. In my book that is not good enough to be anything more than a back up.
At the end of the day, I am simply not sold on him as a starter. Apart from Salo a few years ago and Lundqvuist now, goaltending is not considered something the Swedes particularly excel at - and a second rate goaltender will scuttle any shot the Leafs have of making the playoffs next season. I hope they realize this before its too late.
My recommendation for them would be to pick up Carey Price while the Habs are happy to give him away and then, perhaps, with a little luck - Leaf Nation will sip from Lord Stanley's Cup again.
Lets start by analyzing the Kessel deal. Thirty goals in 69 games played, 25 assists and a minus 9. Those aren't bad numbers. Some fans will cry that Toronto will now be losing a second overall draft pick in the first round, but if we look at Taveres (who was a first overall), he has played 80 games, scored twenty two goals, and has 28 assist for a total of 50 points (5 less then Kessel, but playing in 11 more games than Kessel).
So, by logical extension, even if the Leafs had a first or second overall draft - the numbers for that draft pick would not necessarily be as good as Kessel's numbers. Add to the equation that the Leafs traded something they weren't going to see a return on until next season at the earliest (namely a 1st round draft pick for next season), to get a top player for this season - and it becomes difficult to argue that they got the short end of the stick here.
Its also important to note that by keeping Kadri in the OHL, the Leafs will in fact have a recent first drafter on the ice next year afterall - just not two like they would have Had if they hadn't made the Kessel deal.
Its possible Kaberle can be traded for a 2nd round pick, he is a decent defenceman - and again, things seem to be looking good for Leaf nation.
The big question mark is The Monster. He didn't impress for much of the season, so much so in fact, that Giguere was brought in to steady the ship. Since then, however, he seems to have found some form - although the team as a whole is playing better now (so perhaps The Monster has simply been the beneficiary of that). The question is whether he is a genuine starter? His seasons numbers are 16 wins 15 losses a 2.87 Goals Against Average, and a .902 save percentage. In my book that is not good enough to be anything more than a back up.
At the end of the day, I am simply not sold on him as a starter. Apart from Salo a few years ago and Lundqvuist now, goaltending is not considered something the Swedes particularly excel at - and a second rate goaltender will scuttle any shot the Leafs have of making the playoffs next season. I hope they realize this before its too late.
My recommendation for them would be to pick up Carey Price while the Habs are happy to give him away and then, perhaps, with a little luck - Leaf Nation will sip from Lord Stanley's Cup again.
