Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
The negativity around Kessel is overblown. I know a lot of you think about how out of place Kessel would be in a Hartley system - but could you imagine if Kessel got into shape?
I believe in Hartley - and part of the reason why is that he can get a lot of his players.
Everyone is on the Wideman train these days, but he was a healthy scratch and was noted as being out of shape prior to the 13/14 season. Under Hartley, Wideman has become fit and is playing the best hockey of his career.
If Bob could do that with Kessel? That'd be a huge win for our organization. Kessel as-is, remains one of the best snipers in the league. Under the right guidance, he could be much, much more.
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At an AAV of $8 million until 2022, that is not a risk I want to take.
Also, leopards rarely change their spots. Kessel had questions about his work ethic when the Leafs acquired him, and those questions have dogged him consistently since.
Phil Kessel is not a guy you win with.