Speculation: Kessel's Future?

[WillNyeTheHockeyGuy]

[/B]

Based on what facts?

There are no facts. However, are there facts to suggest he wants to stay?

Kessel's known to be a rather shy guy. The media certainly doesn't help. I however, do not know the details to exactly how intense the media follows him, but I will wager that it is not a positive in terms of reasons why Kessel should stay.

In terms of money, we know Canada has higher taxes, he can definitely get more money elsewhere unless we overpay him (which I'm more than willing to do).

He's American; I'll admit this is a more than weak argument since so many Canadian players choose to play for American teams.

He has no ties to the team that I know of, especially after Burke's firing. I know one reason why Komisarek wanted to be here was because Burke was GM of the American national team. I'm certain this was also enticing to Kessel. Now that he's no longer GM and will most likely be hired by another team in the near future, this connection is gone.

These are just some points to suggest why he may leave us. You can easily say "he loves the city and the people and the team", but those claims are just as factless as my claims. This whole assumption is just a gut feeling. It's a "what if", worst case scenario. I don't want Kessel gone. Who the hell would want to get rid of a leading goalscorer? It's just that if you're faced with losing him for nothing, or losing him for something, I choose to get something in return. If you can prove to me with solid facts and not just some claim Kessel made because he was in front of the media, then I will definitely change my opinion.

 

[RogerRoeper*]

There are no facts. However, are there facts to suggest he wants to stay?

Kessel's known to be a rather shy guy. The media certainly doesn't help. I however, do not know the details to exactly how intense the media follows him, but I will wager that it is not a positive in terms of reasons why Kessel should stay.

In terms of money, we know Canada has higher taxes, he can definitely get more money elsewhere unless we overpay him (which I'm more than willing to do).

He's American; I'll admit this is a more than weak argument since so many Canadian players choose to play for American teams.

He has no ties to the team that I know of, especially after Burke's firing. I know one reason why Komisarek wanted to be here was because Burke was GM of the American national team. I'm certain this was also enticing to Kessel. Now that he's no longer GM and will most likely be hired by another team in the near future, this connection is gone.

These are just some points to suggest why he may leave us. You can easily say "he loves the city and the people and the team", but those claims are just as factless as my claims. This whole assumption is just a gut feeling. It's a "what if", worst case scenario. I don't want Kessel gone. Who the hell would want to get rid of a leading goalscorer? It's just that if you're faced with losing him for nothing, or losing him for something, I choose to get something in return. If you can prove to me with solid facts and not just some claim Kessel made because he was in front of the media, then I will definitely change my opinion.

Not exactly. The Leafs can offer a longer contract than any other team.

 

[New Liskeard]

There are no facts. However, are there facts to suggest he wants to stay?

Kessel's known to be a rather shy guy. The media certainly doesn't help. I however, do not know the details to exactly how intense the media follows him, but I will wager that it is not a positive in terms of reasons why Kessel should stay.

In terms of money, we know Canada has higher taxes, he can definitely get more money elsewhere unless we overpay him (which I'm more than willing to do).

He's American; I'll admit this is a more than weak argument since so many Canadian players choose to play for American teams.

He has no ties to the team that I know of, especially after Burke's firing. I know one reason why Komisarek wanted to be here was because Burke was GM of the American national team. I'm certain this was also enticing to Kessel. Now that he's no longer GM and will most likely be hired by another team in the near future, this connection is gone.

These are just some points to suggest why he may leave us. You can easily say "he loves the city and the people and the team", but those claims are just as factless as my claims. This whole assumption is just a gut feeling. It's a "what if", worst case scenario. I don't want Kessel gone. Who the hell would want to get rid of a leading goalscorer? It's just that if you're faced with losing him for nothing, or losing him for something, I choose to get something in return. If you can prove to me with solid facts and not just some claim Kessel made because he was in front of the media, then I will definitely change my opinion.

There is nothing to prove 100% one way or the other, Phil wants to leave. What you have chosen to do, is assume the worst and make it a point of it. Until Phil says he wants to leave, i'll stay out of this chicken little business thanks. Everything is based on assumptions and guesses. Until there is a problem, I dont see one.

 

[WillNyeTheHockeyGuy]

Not exactly. The Leafs can offer a longer contract than any other team.

I don't deny that we can. I just thought that might have been a factor. We have to offer more than an American team would for Kessel to make the same amount of money.

 

[WillNyeTheHockeyGuy]

There is nothing to prove 100% one way or the other, Phil wants to leave. What you have chosen to do, is assume the worst and make it a point of it. Until Phil says he wants to leave, i'll stay out of this chicken little business thanks. Everything is based on assumptions and guesses. Until there is a problem, I dont see one.

I guess this is just the pessimist side of me thinking about it then. I prefer to prepare for it than to be completely blindsided if, by chance, Kessel leaves. You can't deny that it's possible though. Though I will admit I only started thinking about this because MLSE's firing of Burke is confusing me to say the least.

 

[jimmycarter]

media and fans have treated him like garbage. he is gone.

 

[The Apologist]

Before today I would have said no chance. I think Phil is about to realise just what a clusterboink this franchise has been for the last 40 years.

 

[Darcy Tucker]

the possibility of Kessel walking away as an UFA absolutely FRIGHTENS me.

 

[sgupca]

Kessel for Getzlaf?

We assume the risk to sign Getz?

i think Getz signing a long term extension here is more realistic than Kessel resigning.

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

Kessel dips out of the circus known as Toronto.

 

[Once]

If you think Kessel is going anywhere you're crazy. He is a team favorite and is our go to guy. Considering Norris/Burke similarities most of these players are not going anywhere.

 

[Once]

that being said...there is always a possibility that Kessel asks for a trade....Godforbid.

 

[Leafidelity]

i think Getz signing a long term extension here is more realistic than Kessel resigning.

Why?

 

[InterceptSchenn]

if anything we trade him for a kings ransom. if we are not re upping him, we are obviously not losing him for free.

 

[Kingstonian84*]

Now that Burke is gone, the team doesn't exactly owe anything to Kessel. It's evident that you cannot build a team around him. Yes he is a good player, but like anyone he can be moved.

What do you think will happen? Can you see the Leafs moving him before the trade deadline (2014).

I don't beleive you can build a team around a foward, I mean heck look at Tampa they have Stamkos (best sniper in the game IMO) and they still didnt even make the playoffs last year.

What will happen? I think Nonis will do everything in his power to resign Kessel to a long term deal, but if negotations go sour (and they could) then Nonis will deal him for the best assets he can get in return.

 

[yettyskill]

Silly point given he left his American team to go to the Leafs.

Sillier to think he had any say in where he was being traded to, at the time it was basically anywhere but Boston and will pay him

 

[Leafidelity]

I can guarantee we wouldn't get equal value for Kessel in a trade. We would end up with one or more lesser players. Probably a 60 point centerman.

 

[Antropovsky]

Trade him!

Nonis said that some people don't fit into caryles coaching style. Kessel clearly fitting into that category. To be honest I wouldn't be opposed to seeing him go, and don't think it's incredibly out of the realm of possibility. Of course the price would have to be right though.

Kessel Has twice publically stated his displeasure with his team, two seasons ago, he said he and Wilson didn't talk much, and maybe its time for a change. And shortly after caryle replaced Wilson, he voiced his displeasure with the practices, one thing he wasnt keen on was being forced to stretch.

Kessel clearly has leadership issues, respect issues, some would say he's a prima Donna.

IMO if caryle is your guy, trade kessel before kessel throws his arms up and demands a trade, driving his value down.

In short, I agree with the o.p, if Burke was fired because of his personality issues and the way in which he conducts himself/business, then id agree that kessel should be sold while his value is at a premium.

 

[Tak7]

media and fans have treated him like garbage. he is gone.

Why would he stay at this point?

This town is a circus, from the fans to the media to the team and it's ownership group.

On top of that, the treatment he's gotten here is just silly.

Finally - he's playing under a defense-first coach this season; if that doesn't turn out to be a pleasant experience for him, what incentive does Kessel have to stay?

That the team can offer him 1 additional year?

There's no reason for him to stay, and there's no reason for any marquee free agents out there to ever consider Toronto as a top destination.

The sooner many Leafs fans get that through their heads, the better they will be.

 

[DD03]

Kessel for Getzlaf?

We assume the risk to sign Getz?

i think Getz signing a long term extension here is more realistic than Kessel resigning.

I think Kessel for Perry makes more sense. Then signing Getzlaf in the off-season.

One can dream.

 

[Kingstonian84*]

Trade him!

Nonis said that some people don't fit into caryles coaching style. Kessel clearly fitting into that category. To be honest I wouldn't be opposed to seeing him go, and don't think it's incredibly out of the realm of possibility. Of course the price would have to be right though.

- Carlyle had Selanne on his team and Selanne faired really well there (94 point season says hi). To me this tells me you don't understand how Carlyle works, he likes to have 2 scoring lines and one shut down one, yes he loves to have big guys that crash/bang but he also likes skill upfront (he had Selanne and Macdonald, two small soft players).

Kessel Has twice publically stated his displeasure with his team, two seasons ago, he said he and Wilson didn't talk much, and maybe its time for a change. And shortly after caryle replaced Wilson, he voiced his displeasure with the practices, one thing he wasnt keen on was being forced to stretch.

- I only recall him saying to the media "maybe things aren't working out", then the media spinned it into a story without asking Kessel for clarifcation.

Kessel clearly has leadership issues, respect issues, some would say he's a prima Donna.

- I agree Kessel isn't a "rah-rah" type player and yea he lacks leadership qualties. However where are you getting this that he lacks respect or that he is a prima donna?



In short, I agree with the o.p, if Burke was fired because of his personality issues and the way in which he conducts himself/business, then id agree that kessel should be sold while his value is at a premium.

- Yes lets trade a 25 year old ppg player who is just entering his prime, brilliant idea all around right there

 

[Tak7]

- Yes lets trade a 25 year old ppg player who is just entering his prime, brilliant idea all around right there

If the risk is losing him for nothing, doesn't the thought of trading him have to be entertained?

 

[Kingstonian84*]

If the risk is losing him for nothing, doesn't the thought of trading him have to be entertained?

If negotiations go sour, then yes trading Kessel needs to be considered. But the poster I was replying to was wanting Kessel gone because he isn't a Carlyle player, I was merely arguing how absurd that logic was.

 

[Tak7]

If negotiations go sour, then yes trading Kessel needs to be considered. But the poster I was replying to was wanting Kessel gone because he isn't a Carlyle player, I was merely arguing how absurd that logic was.

Ahh, apologies. Thanks for clearing it up.

On the Kessel/Carlyle thing - it might turn out that Kessel isn't a fan Carlyle coaching (which I think is going to happen). I think that's a huge reason why Kessel won't consider re-signing here.

 

[Kingstonian84*]

Ahh, apologies. Thanks for clearing it up.

On the Kessel/Carlyle thing - it might turn out that Kessel isn't a fan Carlyle coaching (which I think is going to happen). I think that's a huge reason why Kessel won't consider re-signing here.

No prob. Hard to say how Kessel will handle the coaching change, I mean Carlyle had Selanne in Anahiem and there were no problems there, actually Selanne kept coming back for more each year, so really could it have been that bad?