Talking to sources this evening, I’ve managed to partially reconstruct — there is obviously much more to it than what is posted here — how the trade for Phil Kessel ultimately came about, and the origin of many of the rumours that circulated prior to the deal finally going down.
The Bruins wanted at least one player in a deal, but no suitable player-based deal could ultimately be found with any of Nashville, New York, or Toronto. At the end of the day, Bruins’ GM Peter Chiarelli opted to accept a package of picks that was originally offered by the Leafs nearly a full week before the deal was finally consummated.
Here’s how it is said to have happened.
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- As trade rumours began to circulate, Chiarelli stated he would match any offer sheet, as players who could help in the short term, especially on the blueline, were Boston’s primary concern.
- Rumours of the Leafs willing to offer picks beyond offer sheet value began to circulate.
- Boston indicated they were interested in picks beyond offer sheet value (who wouldn’t be interested in two 1sts for a player?), but maintained their preference was draft picks plus at least one player to satisfy their blueline requirement. They are believed to have been seeking two 1sts plus White, at this point.
- The Leafs felt that was far too much, and countered with an offer of two 1sts plus a 2nd, perceiving White’s value to be beyond that of a player who might be available in round two of the next draft.
- Boston reiterated their desire for at least one player, plus either two 1st rounders or a 1st rounder plus a very good prospect.
- Note: the Bruins’ desire for a player as part of the deal explains why they sat on the offer of two 1sts plus a 2nd for a week (the offer was originally reported by ESPN on Sept 12th).
- During the past week, the Leafs worked feverishly to put together a player + pick package to satisfy Boston. Accordingly, rumours involving a 1st round pick along with names such as White, Tlusty, Kulemin, and others began to circulate. Speculation arose over a salary dump headed to Toronto as part of the deal to ease Boston’s cap situation.
- At the same time, Nashville stepped into the picture with an offer whose centerpiece was highly-regarded defensive prospect Jonathan Blum, a 1st, and the rights to Alexander Radulov (currently playing in the KHL). Boston showed some interest, particularly in Blum, but balked at taking on Radulov and his rather messy contract situation.
- Late in the week, the Leafs were confident they had a player + pick deal worked out that would satisfy the Bruins. The rumoured deal was White, the choice of Kulemin or Tlusty, a 1st and a 3rd for Kessel and the choice of either a 2nd or a salary dump (Sturm or Kobasew).
- Realizing a deal between Toronto and Boston was close, Nashville — unwilling to part with top prospect Colin Wilson in place of Radulov — pulled Blum out of their offer and replaced him with a young, high-value defender: Ryan Suter.
- Also realizing that Toronto was very close to landing Kessel, the New York Rangers offered up a deal that is said to have included the rights to Brandon Dubinsky, a 1st and a top defensive prospect (rumoured to be Sanguinetti or Del Zotto).
- Working to finalize his team’s deal with Boston, Leafs GM Brian Burke began to sense the Leafs’ offer might not match up against the late deals offered by Nsh and NYR (especially Nsh), and began to consider going back to a deal involving two 1sts.
- There was some question about whether a deal with Nashville would realistically happen, as Suter would put Boston over the cap and force them to have to make another move, but Burke decided it was not worth taking the risk that Boston was bluffing.
- Burke, wanting to ensure he could get his man, went back to Chiarelli and informed him the deal for three picks (two firsts + a second) was still on the table, contingent on Kessel agreeing to terms with the Leafs.
- At that point, Chiarelli weighed his options. Two 1st round picks versus a deal that would push his team into a cap situation (Nsh), or a deal that would put his team right up against the cap (NYR), involving another yet-to-be-signed RFA (Dubinsky is said to be seeking 1.5m, roughly the amount of cap space Boston has remaining).
- Chiarelli took the picks, knowing he would have to forego getting the defender he wanted (and a potential salary dump) in the deal. From his perspective, it was a win considering the return was higher than offer sheet value, and there were no cap ramifications as there would have been with the Nashville and New York deals.
- Kessel and the Leafs came to an agreement rather quickly (dollar figures had been discussed throughout the week between the Leafs and Kessel’s agent, so the agreement was somewhat of a formality).
- Burke signed off on the deal, reporters got wind of it, the transaction was approved by the league office and Phil Kessel was — finally — a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Despite the hefty price tag, Burke walked away comfortable with the deal, fully confident that he can re-stock the draft pick cupboard in future transactions.
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September 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
any clues as to what burke is upto next?
September 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
@ TT- Where do you see us finishing in the Conference?
September 19th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Please can we stop calling Kessel a prospect . after 3 full season you are no longer a prospect same goes for people making over 5 mil/season
September 19th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
@ Mort- He said first cut’s will be made today but won’t be mentioned till game time, to let the staff contact the individuals being sent to their destination spots.
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I think clearing cap and assessing the possibility of making another move are a first.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
@ Monster- Would do that deal in a heart beat. I like what Dubbie brings to the table.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Monster I would do that trade in a heartbeat!! although i’m not sure sarther would feel the same way.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
we all would, but NYR wouldnt
September 19th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Tim That’s crazy!! We are on the same page!!
September 19th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
@ Captain- I hear ya….good one.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
@ anyone who thinks we wont get a 1st round pick
ottawa traded 1 for campoli and comrie
shows when ur desperate and need something
u gota pay for it
September 19th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
LOL great minds think alike…
September 19th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
would you trade kadri and Schenn for Kessell?
September 19th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
@paso
no, but please dont start that agrument. Its by far nothing like this situation. end of conversation
September 19th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
to anyone who says “who you trade kadri and schenn for kessel”. you make no sence. lets brake it down.
-kadri was 7th overall in a deep deep draft
-schenn was 5th overall in a deep deep draft
-we we a horrible team last year and upgraed in EVERY aspect of the game
-schenn cant apply for this argument because it took us our 1st, a second and another 3rd
SO REALLY the question is, who you trade Kadri and Schenn FOR kessel, a 2nd and a 3rd
-answer is I dont know, but maybe….EVEN THOUGH IT DOESNT MATTER. Talent like schenn and Kadri will be the top 5 pick next year, something we will be far far away from
September 19th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
with alot of spelling mistakes lol I was trying to show you that getting schenn wasnt OUR pick. We had to use a 1st, 2nd and a 3rd to get him. So you cant look at Kadri and Schenn being the same as our 2010 and 2011 1st rounders. End of story
September 19th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
anyone know where I can find the Brian Burke press conference now that it is over?
September 19th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Captain- Agree…haha.
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Jordan- No way I do Kadri and Schenn for Kessel, but I get your point. Look at it this way, Schenn, Kadri, Kessel and Bozak are some serious talent to build a team around. Not to forget a supporting cast of Stalberg, Stefanovich, “The Goose”, Tlusty (if he ever breaks out), and the other talent.
We are well on our way bud.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
@Pasa – Of coarse don’t be riduclous but the two 1st round picks won’t be that high…they will be in the range of 12th-20th (both) so neither prospect without a miracle will turn out be as good as either schenn, kadri
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1st line Potential talent:
Kessel – 99 % (already proven it)
Kadri – 90%
Tlusty – 55%
Kulemin – 40 %
Grabovski – 40%
Stalberg – Hanson could turn out very well throw stefanovich dido slaney into the mix of good young talent.
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Schenn is a building block on D, Blacker has shown with the right development could be a top 4 NHL guy. Komi-Kabby will also lead this D for the next 3-5 years. By then we would have recouped 1st round picks by then.
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So giving up two 1st round picks for Kessel does not bother me at all.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
@lilgrnmen17
“Here are some less flattering comments from Bs fans and Chia’s view of the deal. Interesting stuff.
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/09/chiarelli_kesse.html”
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Where do you see the “less than flattering”? Those are all reasonable and classy comments. Hab, and Ottawa fans should learn from those Bruin fans, since all they know is unreasonable spite.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
@ Knoxer_43
http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Audio.aspx
September 19th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
@ Tim
My guess…
1. Flyers
2. B’s
3. Caps
4. Pens
5. Devils
6. Canes
7. MAPLE LEAFS
8. Sens or Habs via tiebreaker
September 19th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Whatever happened to MIKHAIL STEFANOVICH? Haven’t heard anything about him since he scored the 2 goals in a scrimmage.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
thanks puckhead!
September 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Stefanovich will play for the Marlies this year. Hes a great scorer but his defensive game isnt the greatest and his skating could be a bit better. He should be a good threat next year though
September 19th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
any links for game tonight in the us?
September 19th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Is the game going to be on cbc tonight,when is hockey night in Canada going to start.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
@Black_Hawk
I don’t think HNIC starts until oct 1 Leafs vs Canadiens. I might be wrong on that though.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
@ Blue Max
I think you misquoted me, I said “less flattering” (re-read your post) in reference to the link Snots 11:46 AM posted. I wasn’t implying they were rude, just a very different perspective than the other link had offered. In that vain, Botta had an interesting perspective on this trade.
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/at-summers-end-burke-stops-the-leafs-fall/
September 19th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
@ TT- Pretty close to where I rank them, I left an open spot for one team to have a miserable year as we alway’s seem to see this. There is a lot of pressure on Flyers, Caps and Bruins to make it, if Pronger and Emery are slow out of the gate, could be a concern. Krejci is out till November and Kessel is gone, Caps alway’s seem to screw something up.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
So burke isn’t a fan of the higher jersey numbers eh? Too Bad…I was hoping someone would wear number 88 and I could convince my son to replace the lindros letters on his jersey with anyone! lol
September 19th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Burke has stolen two of our divisional rivals best players. Thats an excellent way to get better IMO!
September 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I think Burke should go after his coveted prototypical power forward (ala Getzlaf) if he wants to be a threat in this season for the playoffs. Leafs haven’t had a good power forward since Gary Roberts left, didn’t care much for Sundin’s power game either. I would love for him to pick up or go after a guy like Horton or Staal. I wasn’t much for the over-payment on Kessel, but if Leafs had Horton or Staal, a developed Kadri or Bozak in center and Kessel, that would be a solid 1st line for years to come. The two 1st rounders isn’t hard to swallow if the Leafs make the playoffs. I wouldn’t waste our time with Dubinsky, good kid and player but I think Stajan would do a fine job for a 3rd line center, if not John or Dale Mitchell. Burke shouldn’t waste anymore resources unless for another top line player, they don’t have to be 1st line proven but would be nice for 1st line potential. Leafs don’t have any top 3 round picks for the next 2 years, I’m fine with next year because it’s so weak, but it would be crucial for them to at least get some picks back for this year. I really hope he goes after prospects than picks though, in my opinion a trade for Staal and either Jeffery or Cupiti from Pittsburgh for a combination of a struggling Tluslty or inconsistent Kulmine and a far off prospect like Jimmy Hayes or Kenny Ryan I would be fine, especially if this year Burke wants to get to the playoffs. They can even reverse that trade to Florida and maybe give up roster players instead for example Poni or Stempinak for Horton and maybe Shawn Matthias, this would only happen if Leafs included one of the named prospects. Leafs need now a good Power forward, I think they have some of the best young play makers in the league now, with Kadri, Bozak and we will see how Grabovski does this year. I would put my money on Grabovski being traded if he starts disappearing again mid season.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Kessel and Grab’s ? I think Grab’s career is short lived if he doesn’t keep his head up, someone will wake this guy up quickly.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Burke said his next move is to try to trade a defenseman just before the season opens. He says the team will likely carry eight D-men. The top 4 are certain: Komi, Beauch, Luke, Kabs.
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That leaves four spots for five players: Exelby, White, Van Ryn, Finger, Frogren… so one of these five is likely to be traded…
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Interesting to note that Torts said the Rangers hope to add a D-men before the season opens… I could see us getting the Rangers second round pick and maybe a 5th for White or Van Ryn or maybe even Finger as the Rangers have some cap room. If no trades can be arranged, my guess is Frogren goes through waivers on his way to the minors…
September 19th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
[...] Maple Leafs Hot Stove: How the Kessel deal went down. Interesting to see the progression of the trade. [...]
September 19th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
@Diggler- Thats exactly what the leafs need now a power forward who can skate and pass with kessel to go hard to the front of the net. Its to bad we didnt still have Antropov to play with kessel , he would of fit the roll perfect.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I think Burke earned a rest. The perfect offseason has really come to an infatic end! Bringing in top level talent like Komisarek and Kessel had a good draft starting with Kadri,Ryan,Blacker signing the most sought after goalie in Jonas, signing Tyler Bozak the best college forward… Hats of Mr. Burke.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
bottom line here is will Kessel be worth more to our franchise than the 2 1st rnd picks??, which imo would not be until mid-way through the first rounds in both the ‘10 & 11′ drafts. The 2011 draft is looking like the weakest since 1999…. I’m definitely comfortable with the trade when you look at it this way…. I would bet anything that the players that we could possibly get in these drafts would be of no comparison to Phil. Plus he is a first round pick…. anyone who is disapointed with seeing the picks go to Boston just needs to look at it as it should… all we’re really losing is our 2011 pick and that draft will be of little value.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:24 pm
@Blair (sept/19) wake up buddy?!?… why are you disapointed… Kessel is one of the top young guns in the game.. this is huge to have aquired him. The future 1st rnd picks will be of no comparison to him…..
why is this so hard for some people to understand?, I don’t get it…