Congrats on getting Burke guys. He's a great GM.
I find the Kessel trade really distracts from his overall work. No one talks about anything else.
Burke's trade of Beauchemin to Anaheim was brilliant. One of the best trades in years. He got back a PPG star winger in his prime and a first rounder in Gardiner, who has tremendous upside for a free UFA signing that didn't pan-out. I'd argue given the player, that was better value than Bosaton got in the Kessel trade. Gardiner looked unbelievable in the Boston series when he was finally given a chance.
He got JVR, at age 23. He is a former second overall pick for Schenn. Fantastic trade.
His Phaneuf trade speaks for itself. A #1 D-Man for spare parts.
He drafting of Kadri looks very good. Rielly has great upside as well and is a blue chipper. I'd say his drafting of Rielly and Finn in the first two rounds in 2012' set the Leafs up very well on D for years.
He's not perfect, but he started with nothing in Toronto. Now they are competitive with a nice core.
And his "Worst Trade" saw him get a future star at age 21. Phil Kessel is easily the best player in that deal 4 years after it happened. "Franchise Player" Seguin has already been moved. He was horrific in the playoffs.
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