Hitting the Links – Tuesday

My spider sense tells me Burke could be on the verge of landing Kessel. When asked the other night if such a deal involved picks, he immediately responded with yes. Almost like they were already on the table. Another factor that has to be considered is that the Bruins have arranged events to unfold this way. Make no mistake they knew with each signing they made over the last couple years that this would put Kessel on the outside. Finally Burke and his advisors are together with Chiarelli and key people.
So you are at a poker table and you are short stacked. Normally you avoid battles with the best couple of players while trying to go after inferior oponents who are more predictable and read well. Burke has taken on one of the very best GMs in Chiarelli and I for one am very concerned for my beloved Leafs.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Kessel is very good. I do not think he is dependant on Savard for success. I am only slightly concerned over health issues. My fear is that Chiarelli will flat out take more than he gives. Regardless of what Chiarelli says, he doesn’t want Kessel as much as the compensation returning, or he would have made room to sign him. If he can get the compensation from a bottom team like the Leafs he will be very pleased. Clearly according to Burke a first rounder in 2010 is involved, a defenceman is involved, and maybe another pick or prospect. One would think a prospect because they are currently watching them.
So lets say Toronto’s first is on the table. If the odds makers in Vegas are correct then this could be a lottery pick with Taylor Hall potential. Which defenceman on Toronto’s roster would a shrewd GM like Chiarelli want who fits in his very limited cap space? Ian White who was one of Toronto’s best players last year, who is still getting better each year. White was plus 6 playing against other teams best with a save percentage of .885 behind him. If you put him on Boston with Thomas behind him saving at .930% White would have been about plus 36. Finally as far as prospects go Stalberg seems to have everyones attention so Burke may allow him in on the deal. So lets say it is Toronto’s first, White and Stalberg for Kessel. In my opinion Chiarelli will walk away the winner and Burke will have been completely fleeced.
If the Leafs finish in the bottom five and do not even have their pick, then I expect Burke will be traded. Maybe I am way off base but I have this funny feeling.