So... can I get a summation of what all this Kessel stuff is about?
In regards to Phil Kessel here's what I think... Phil Kessel is 27 (turning 28 in October) has a 8M cap hit and is signed for 7 more years (with a NTC). That's a lot of moolah for one guy, but some guys are worth that so is Phil Kessel one of those guys?
Standard Stats: Consistent 30 goal scorer, probably averages 0.8PPG. Excellent in this era.
Possession Stats: Not so good, negative shot attempt differential, slightly negative shot attempts in terms of on/off ice but pretty close to neutral (team wasn't better with him on the ice as opposed to off the ice in that regard).
Non-stat notables:Close your eyes and think of a generic athlete... does that athlete physically resemble Phil Kessel? I'm guessing unless you love professional bowling (and you consider it an athletic endeavor) then the answer is "no". That matters because how many guys that aren't in great shape age well? The answer is "not many" and that puts significantly more risk on the back-end of that contract. He also has a standoffish personality so he can't really be "the guy" in a hockey market. My personal observation was also that he contributed to the thick atmosphere of "I don't give a crap" that came off the Leafs late last year... the fans in your building paid (a lot) of good money to watch you play I really hated seeing a bunch of guys essentually paid to put on a show half-assing it out there.
So then who is ideally "the market" for Phil Kessel? A non-hockey market, where there are already guys that drive play but lack a sniper, that has both money and cap space, that is in win now mode (and unconcerned about the back half of his contract), that he will accept a trade to. I don't think that team exists... still 30 goals is 30 goals so someone will want him but I think Leaf fans had best start to accept that what that someone will give up for him isn't what their hopes and dreams are made of.
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