LeBrun: Wouldn't surprise if Flames explore Kessel

[sureLoss]

More speculation than a rumor, but here it is:

http://www.nicholsonhockey.com/worth...s-kessel-trade

On if LeBrun’s impression of Florida’s potential take on Kessel would be the same around the league:

"No, I’ve had other teams that have said that once they get to the summer they – again, I said this before on this station. There are Phil Kessel lovers around the league. Okay?

“And I’ll tell you this: Who’s the president of hockey operations in Calgary?

Brian Burke.

“I’ll tell you right now, if the Kessel derby gets going this summer, it wouldn’t surprise me if Calgary at least looked at it.

“Now, he’s not GM. And he would adhere to Brad Treliving, but I’ll tell you right now it wouldn’t surprise me if they were part of that mix. And there’s a few other teams I won’t name, because they’ve been asked not to be named, but I know that they also would get in on it.

“But I think what’s going to be interesting to me is this when the times comes on Kessel: Is this going to be about simply getting rid of this contract and getting very little in return, or is it if the Leafs are willing to eat some of the contract, then you can get something in return because he is a very good offensive player. Those are two different transactions. And I don’t think you’re pulling both off in the one deal.”

[Heavy Jack]

See finally here's a guy who, to me, isn't anywhere near worth the cost of what it would take to get him. Stay far away Treliving, please...

[Coach]

Burke is the only reason we are being thrown into these things. I really don't think either he or Treliving have any desire to add Kessel.

At least I really hope not. Once he passes 30, I predict Kessel to decline hard.

[squirtle]

I'd pay 2015 first + Baertschi/Granlund + 2016 3rd + Glencross

Just to see Gaudreau - Mony - Kessel

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Pure speculation, to be sure. By that logic, we should be looking to acquire Pronger as well.
The only thing I agree with, is that there are 2 different transactions at play: one taking on cap and giving little, and one with cap retained and a better asset going the other way.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by squirtle

I'd pay 2015 first + Baertschi/Granlund + 2016 3rd + Glencross

Just to see Gaudreau - Mony - Kessel

It would be good for a couple years....until you have to pay the other two and Kessel is sitting there at 8 mil for the next century.

No thanks.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

See finally here's a guy who, to me, isn't anywhere near worth the cost of what it would take to get him. Stay far away Treliving, please...

I have to agree. Hes a good complimentary player, but the acquisition cost would be on par with a core player.

Good player, but not good enough to justify his cost. And I'm not talking salary I'm talking the assets required to be sacrificed to get him.

[undercoverbrother]

I have no appetite for this.

[sharkov]

geez who keeps involving us in these

[ForeverFlameFan]

All I am getting out of this is that we want Kessel because Burke is here. Just because Burke acquired him doesn't mean he wants him here. He did that trade in an attempt to retool Toronto because of how impatient Toronto is to win. He's aware that we are still rebuilding, we won't touch Kessel at all.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Burke is the only reason we are being thrown into these things. I really don't think either he or Treliving have any desire to add Kessel.

At least I really hope not. Once he passes 30, I predict Kessel to decline hard.

This.

He's a Heatly-lite to me. Selfish player, doesn't do great with media, isn't the most in-shape guy in the off-season, shows signs of being a lazy player at times, so many red flags to go along with a brutal price tag both in term and value. Stay away!!

[Jacks]

I don't mind Kessel and have defended him in the past. That being said please no.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

All I am getting out of this is that we want Kessel because Burke is here. Just because Burke acquired him doesn't mean he wants him here. He did that trade in an attempt to retool Toronto because of how impatient Toronto is to win. He's aware that we are still rebuilding, we won't touch Kessel at all.

Much the same reasoning with regards to Phaneuf has been used. I don't see either player coming here.

[Phaneuf]

YESSSSSSSS!!! Kessel is a superstar. I'm willing to part with any prospect save for Bennett, get it done Treveling!!

[Street Pharmacist]

I'd say do it if we are in the year 2017 and hopefully close to becoming a contender. This team is still forming and requires good habits and strong cohesion in the team. Now is not the time, and is crucial not to do something like this

[kermitology]

You should be inquiring about pretty much any player who is known to be available. That's just part of the due diligence. Doesn't mean you take him on unless it makes sense.

[cannon7]

Don't agree with the criticisms of Kessel. I think he's a good player trapped in a terrible organization. The rumours of his supposed attitude problem are overblown as a result of a hyperbolic Toronto media. I've always seen a winner in Kessel and if he could carry the Leafs on his back he would. I'd make a trade for him if the price was right. Not going to give up anything like Bennett, Poirier, Gillies, Ortio, etc. for him. But could consider a deal involving our 1st and Baertschi.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

I'd say do it if we are in the year 2017 and hopefully close to becoming a contender. This team is still forming and requires good habits and strong cohesion in the team. Now is not the time, and is crucial not to do something like this

Yeah even then no. The perception I have of Kessel is that he is a lazy "me first" player. Not the sort of player you want to bring into a team built on "earned never given".

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Phaneuf

YESSSSSSSS!!! Kessel is a superstar. I'm willing to part with any prospect save for Bennett, get it done Treveling!!

Silence you.

[devo22]

"it wouldn't surprise me" ... lol, that's the most conservative play-it-safe card available. Make up a random rumour after connecting some dots (like the lazy "player X has played for GM/coach/whatever Y before" connection made in this case) and just throw in there a "it wouldn't surprise me". Easy. And if every tenth "it wouldn't surprise me" comes to fruition, you can say "I told you so". Clever.

Nothing to see here, really.