More and more I look at this deal, it's a deal that does not help the Leafs for the future. They didn't get back good players, and they're hoping that late first rounder turns into something. At the end of the day, from the Leafs perspective it was a salary dump, not wanting him on the opening day roster.
As for Pittsburgh, they're throwing a hail mary that they can pull one off with a top heavy salary lineup. Kessel is a lazy guy who has a little more potential if he was fit, but they didn't give up much so it's fine. The term on Kessel's contract is a problem though and puts so much pressure on the Pens in the future. So, high risk for cap implications for the Pens.
Deal only helping Pens on the ice in the next couple years, and Leafs for the salary cap now. Not a good deal for both teams IMO.
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