Kessel Cuts off Negotiations, Game Tonight

The Boston Globe reports that restricted free agent winger Phil Kessel will no longer be negotiating with the Boston Bruins and will likely now await either a trade or an offer sheet from a rival club. The writer suggests that Boston GM Peter Chiarelli would likely prefer going through the trade route in order to receive a package of higher value than 3 unproven draft picks as compensation for an offer sheet in the $5 million range. The article also makes an interesting point: despite missing 12 games, Kessel finished tied for 12th in NHL scoring last season and the players above him average $6.5 million in annual salary. Makes you think, doesn’t it.

With that being said, the pressure to make a deal seems to lie on the Bruins because per the CBA rules, if Kessel were to sign an offer sheet before the Bruins can find a suitable trade, they would be forced to either let him go or match and keep him. They cannot simply match an offer sheet and then seek to deal him for a package of higher value than the draft picks during the first year of his new deal. But again, sneaking behind the Bruins GM’s back to ink Kessel to an offer sheet before they have a chance to act may trigger some harsh sentiment and retaliation.

In other news, just a friendly reminder that tonight is the fourth and final game of the Leafs rookie tournament in Kitchener, which kicks off at 7pm ET against the rival Ottawa Senators. Coverage will be aired once again on Rogers TV channels 10 and 60.

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  • captain morgan

    @BLeaf
    There is no way that we give away two big strong wingers, one who has proven himself in the AHL and dominated the last half of the season for Kessel. It would be going backwards…we are trying to add talent, not take it away.
    @Grahamzky
    Other teams do want him…Rangers and Nashville being the two most prominent…this kid can shoot the puck, is a natural goal scorer, that’s why Burke wants him…but he won;t give up young talent that we already have to get him!!

  • Grahamzky

    @Spayde – Stoughton had a fine career (relatively healthy wasn’t he?), just don’t remember too many Stanley Cups. Believe he was a one-way player, correct? We got full value for Gary Leeman when we traded him, didn’t we, eh? Leeman for Gilmour – Clark for Sundin – two of the Leafs greatest trades! (even though we couldn’t get a Cup)
    Because of health, and other concerns, I really wouldn’t deal top prospects or 1st round picks for Kessel. Perhaps another reason for my not wanting Kessel is I despise the Bruins – I would now have to cheer for this dude! That would be tough – but I could adjust!
    One thing about it, right or wrong, we all have our opinions to make the Leafs, OUR Leafs – a better team. Believe if we all stay patient, in the not too distant future, Lord Stanley’s home will be at the Air Canada Centre! Ya gotta like that!
    Over and out, gotta run! Will we have a new “top-six” today?

  • Spayde

    @ Grahamzky

    Well said, Stoughton was healthy and I think had a great career. Tough to get a cup on the Whalers lol. I felt the same way about Komi coming over but I love the aquisition now! I think taking a slight chance on this kid is worth it. I’d love to see him on out top line, if we can keep our first rounder and still get him, thats thievery (assuiming we dont lose a top prospect). But if we have to go offer sheet route, I’m still a happy camper.

  • keonlives

    I would love to get Kessel – remembering that he is out until November with an injury
    ———–
    However, I can’t help but think about the draft picks and prospects. Some have hurt us in hindsight and others have been duds anyway. The thing is though that I tend to err on the side of caution right now and see what our youth can do for us. Let the College kids play in the AHL and get through an 82 game schedule. See what we truly have in kids like Kulemin, Tlusty, Grab, J. Mitchell, Schenn, Gustav…and Bozak, Stalberg, and Hanson in the A.

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