The leafs have a plan to draft and develop, nothing is going to change that. Signing Babcock does not change anything.
- senstroll

Agreed - hiring a coach to an 8-year contract doesn't indicate that it's a "win now" philosophy.

That's a pretty good proposal.
- Schenn-Sational!

I think it's a good win-win scenario for both

Love watching Phil score goals, very exciting player when he's rolling. I've always thought Montreal would be a good fit, they need goals...........but can't see the Leafs taking back a Russian as the central piece to the trade. Minny would also be a great fit if they have the assets to make it happen.

I was always told Phil never showed up in the playoffs (whenever his team actually qualified)

You'll never win with Kessel on your team.
- walshyleafsfan

Haven't you heard, Kessel is horrible in the playoffs (0.95ppg career)
So is Ovechkin (0.97)
And Thornton (0.76)

What about Stamkos? (0.75)

I think a Phaneuf trade to Colorado could get the ball rolling.

Phaneuf and our first round 5th overall pick to Colorado.

We get Colorado's first round 10th overall pick. We get Ryan O'Reilly and their D'Man prospect Chris Bigras.

If we believe we can't get O'Reilly signed before the next trade deadline, we trade him for a first and second rounder (2016 draft) and a solid prospect. He will be the most sought after player, if available at the trade deadline.
- Huntley

FTFY

the ryan & carter deal had picks in the top 10 as well.

I dunno. After watching all his goals just now on Youtube, i'd be tempted to trade everyone BUT Kessel, Bernier and Rielly. Build through the draft but keep these 3 guys. The only really good players we have.
- walshyleafsfan

Did you watch the video's of Kessel getting small and soft along the sidewall in his own end?

Or him going in to be the 3rd guy behind the net as the puck goes the other way?

Kessel for McCarron (2013 Mtl 1st pick), Mtl 2015 1st, PA Parenteau and Jarred Tinordi (2010 Mtl 1st pick)
- koarik91

no to Tinordi.

I also agree Mtl could be a good fit. Toronto media may bash Kessel every day of the week, but when the Habs played the Leafs last couple years, I've always found him effective. Maybe the (lukewarm) rivalry fire him up a bit ?

I would be okay giving a first, a salary dump like PA or Emelin and one of Sherback, Tinordi or McCarron (all 1st round picks) ... but not more than one of those last 3. Neither giving Galchenyuk. But I could see another 2nd round pick or a lower prospect (like Andrighetto / Thomas / Hudon etc.) added to sweeten the deal.

I agree it would fit needs on both side. And anyway if Toronto wants to rebuild, it's actually a GOOD thing to strengthen a division rival who you play a lot in the year, it gives you a better chance at draft position for a couple years.

I also agree Mtl could be a good fit. Toronto media may bash Kessel every day of the week, but at least when the Habs played the Leafs, I've always found him effective. Maybe the (lukewarm) rivalry fire him up a bit ?

I would be okay giving a first, a salary dump like PA or Emelin and one of Sherback, Tinordi or McCarron (all 1st round picks) ... but not more than one of those, Neither giving Galchenyuk. But I could see another 2nd round pick or a lower prospect (like Adrighetto / Thomas / Hudon etc.) added to sweeten the deal.

I agree it would fit needs on both side. And anyway if Toronto wants to rebuild, it's actually a GOOD thing to strengthen a division rival who you play a lot in the year, it gives you a better chance at draft position for a couple years.
- Popofjc

I would think Kessel would cost 1 of Galchenyak/Gallagher - I don't think they trade Kessel without a sure bet coming back...especially to the (frank)ing stinking Hab

Haven't you heard, Kessel is horrible in the playoffs (0.95ppg career)
So is Ovechkin (0.97)
And Thornton (0.76)

What about Stamkos? (0.75)
- BestRapperAlive

SCF appearances:

OV: 0
Thornton: 0
Stamkos: 1

I would think Kessel would cost 1 of Galchenyak/Gallagher - I don't think they trade Kessel without a sure bet coming back...especially to the (frank)ing stinking Hab
- Garnie

Well if that's the case, no deal. But if they can't find a taker anywhere else, I'm not sure that condition will stay. We're talking about a 7 mill player in a year where the cap barely goes up after all.

Well if that's the case, no deal. But if they can't find a taker anywhere else, I'm not sure that condition will stay.
- Popofjc

Oh, I'd think they could trade him and if they are going to get stinky players...they will trade him to the west. IMO

SCF appearances:

OV: 0
Thornton: 0
Stamkos: 1
- OzBolts

1 what?

Whiff?

j/k

Well if that's the case, no deal. But if they can't find a taker anywhere else, I'm not sure that condition will stay. We're talking about a 7 mill player in a year where the cap barely goes up after all.
- Popofjc

top players get paid top dollar

Trade him to the yotes and he can howl with the yotes in the desert

I would think Kessel would cost 1 of Galchenyak/Gallagher - I don't think they trade Kessel without a sure bet coming back...especially to the (frank)ing stinking Hab
- Garnie

This is true... the familiarity probably makes the price go up

Well if that's the case, no deal. But if they can't find a taker anywhere else, I'm not sure that condition will stay. We're talking about a 7 mill player in a year where the cap barely goes up after all.
- Popofjc

He makes $8m but you guys must have some salary coming off the books?

you have 2 of the oldest D in the league

plus you would be sending back some salary..

Kessel to MTL
Gally / Emelin to T.O ( replace Emelin with whomever you'd like )

this seems more of a fair trade IMO

Trade him to the yotes and he can howl with the yotes in the desert
- holeinone

At this point in time...zero players will be waiving to go to the Yotes. IMO

Bigger, responsible 2 way forward with good offensive skills. Not a future #1 Center in my opinion but a good #2 if not excellent #3. Plays like Jordan Staal but lite in my opinion as for potential.

Potential for top 9 power forward
- koarik91

The bigger forward was definitely Burke and Nonis' MO, not sure about Shanny's though. Remains to be seen.

At this point in time...zero players will be waiving to go to the Yotes. IMO
- Garnie

well, knowing that they'll be outta there soon enough probably makes it more likely

This is true... the familiarity probably makes the price go up
- Schenn-Sational!

So, in a bidding war mode, a rebuilding team will say no to a rival even if he proposed the best package??

I can't believe that. The success of a franchise should be more important than a singulary rivalry.

I would think Kessel would cost 1 of Galchenyak/Gallagher - I don't think they trade Kessel without a sure bet coming back...especially to the (frank)ing stinking Hab
- Garnie

I agree, I would think any Kessel to Montreal deal would be built around Galchenyuk. So I don't see it happening.

He makes $8m but you guys must have some salary coming off the books?

you have 2 of the oldest D in the league

plus you would be sending back some salary..

Kessel to MTL
Gally / Emelin to T.O ( replace Emelin with whomever you'd like )

this seems more of a fair trade IMO
- Garnie

Gachenyuk is a non-starter. Sorry.

What do you mean he fits the bill in Toronto?
- BetterCallSaul

It means he sucks