Quote:
Originally Posted by savemedrzaius
Very few single players can consistently "carry a team" in hockey. This isn't basketball. Have you been watching the Stanley Cup Finals? Stamkos, Toews, Kane have all had off games. But Kessel definitely has the ability to be a game changer.
But the Leafs have no use for him right now. They will likely a be very bad team for the next few seasons, so it makes sense to trade him now when he is in his prime. Why keep him on the team? If they can trade him now it can push the rebuild forward quicker.
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By that logic the Flames should have traded Gio in 2013 because why would a 29 year old be around for a 4-5 year rebuild?
The Leafs do not see Kessel as a player that can transition to the next era of Leafa hockey because he is not a leader on anything outside the scoreboard. Kessel is paid to be a franchise talent not just a leading scorer. He lacks the intangibles that all pkayers making $8M should have.