New Leaf Phil Kessel

Now I know I'm a tad late in commenting on the Phil Kessel sign and trade, but here's my take on the situation. First of all, Brian Burke is the one reason that I can honestly say that the Leafs will become a winner within the next 3-4 years. The reason I can so strongly believe this is because Burke has been true to his word and has stuck with his plan and vision by building through young, talented players and keeping valuable veterans around to help teach them how to become good NHL players.

The Kessel signing has had some critics in Leaf Nation who say that this is just what the previous regime would do- trade away the future for the present. I disagree wholeheartedly. Burke has a 21 year old high scoring winger who is just at the very beginning of his NHL career. Yes, he is coming off of shoulder surgery, but don't you think Burke had the medical staff go over Kessel's post surgery reports with a fine toothed comb? You betcha! Kessel will be able to play for most of the season, and as long as expectations are kept realistic with him, he will be a huge asset for the Leafs for years to come. The big thing that isn't highlighted enough is that Kessel will attract top end free agents during the next two free agency periods, which Burke will be active in because of the lack of draft picks over the next two years.

Overall, this trade gets my stamp of approval. There is risk whenever two teams make a deal like this, but I think the Leafs will come out as the winners when we look back at this years from now.