This move is a move that would be 'Sutter-like' in Darry's last couple of years here. I say that with full respect to Darryl.
When Darryl decided to stop being a head coach, his finger slid of the team every year. He seemingly made strong trade/signing after strong trade/signing. It was like he just couldn't miss.
However, the longer he was upstairs, then suddenly the moves just weren't working to make the team better, even though on paper, they should have. This team went from becoming a decent skating club that was very physical and hard-working, to an above average-top third skilled team with no heart. Sutter completely lost the team identity, and therefore the chemistry.
Would Kessel instantly make the Flames more dangerous? Yep, sure would.
Would Kessel fill an organizationally need? Yep, for sure.
Would Kessel make the club more talented? Yep, no question.
Would Kessel fit into the team identity? No.
Would Kessel fit into the locker room? No idea - and no one else really does either, including the TO fans sticking up for him.
Personally after the team F-upped the 'thank the fans' at the end of games things, you really do and SHOULD question Kessel's ability to lead. You really should question that leadership again as he is one of the leaders on that team, and somehow the Leafs were way worse than the sum of their parts.
At any rate, Kessel doesn't fit-in with the identity of the Flames. You just don't bring a player in if he doesn't fit the team. I don't care how cheap or expensive he would be, a player that doesn't fit the team is a likely disruption for whatever the reasons - personal or otherwise.
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