Do you think you would get that for Spezza?
- prock

I don't think so. Two top 6 picks plus another first is astronomical. There are lots of precedents Yashin, Thornton, Kovalev. Kessel would likely fit in that mix. So, one good prospect (or good 1st round pick), a mid range prospect and a player. Or, a top 6 player, a good prospect or pick and a lesser light. The fair price would be pretty easy to figure out. A more complex question is if this is a good option for the Leafs or a team that tries to obtain him.

I don't think so. Two top 6 picks plus another first is astronomical. There are lots of precedents Yashin, Thornton, Kovalev. Kessel would likely fit in that mix. So, one good prospect (or good 1st round pick), a mid range prospect and a player. Or, a top 6 player, a good prospect or pick and a lesser light. The fair price would be pretty easy to figure out. A more complex question is if this is a good option for the Leafs or a team that tries to obtain him.
- spatso

I suspect the sticking point would be Strome. He's pretty sick. Won't be easy to pry him out of the Islanders, for anyone.

Despite Garth's argument to the contrary, he's probably the hottest player in junior hockey right now. And was, even when Galchenyuk and Grigorenko were still playing there.

If I was the GM it would take a similar package to get Kessel from me, otherwise what is the point. I am not sure how much Value you put on Nino at the moment, I think his value has dropped significantly, I would be surprised it he is rated in the top 50 at the moment. He would be a very big Risk.

Other questions I would have, does Strome project to be a #1 Center?, in NY he will def be #2. he is probably the 10-15th ranked prospect at the moment. I dont know his upside to be honest

The 1st would probably be in the 10-20 range, if the Isles added Kessel without giving up any roster players, I think it would help boost them a little. so closer to 20 than 10th I would think.
- senstroll

Nino is their top pro prospect at the moment leading Bridgeport in scoring. He was mismanaged last year playing the NHL too early. He bounced back this year and looks to have a bright future at the moment.

I suspect the sticking point would be Strome. He's pretty sick. Won't be easy to pry him out of the Islanders, for anyone.
- prock

strome straight up would be a good deal for the leafs.

Nino is their top pro prospect at the moment leading Bridgeport in scoring. He was mismanaged last year playing the NHL too early. He bounced back this year and looks to have a bright future at the moment.
- sens rock

Strome is their top prospect.

Centres are worth more cause they are harder to acquire (see Toronto Maple Leafs post Sundin). Spezza is a top faceoff guy, over PPG career, better shooting percentage. Injuries are a concern I agree.
- sens rock

All things being equal I would agree 100%, but 25 years old vs 30.
7 mil cap hit for Spezza is also high, some of the baggage that comes with Spezza, I wouldnt put his trade value at much more if any at all.

Strome is their top prospect.
- prock

i said top pro level prospect. just meaning that he is available and therefore technically closer to playing in the nhl. I agree that strome is their first, nino is their second and nelson their 3rd. Reinhart is a pylon imo.

Nino is their top pro prospect at the moment leading Bridgeport in scoring. He was mismanaged last year playing the NHL too early. He bounced back this year and looks to have a bright future at the moment.
- sens rock

They would easily get Niño in a deal for Kessel. Kessel with Tavares would be very strong. Kessel with Strome next year would be highly appealing.

Still does not answer the question whether it is time for the Leafs and Kessel to move forward.

Neither Kessel nor Spezza get that package imo.

Not discounting either player, but that's a big ol' package.

i said top pro level prospect. just meaning that he is available and therefore technically closer to playing in the nhl. I agree that strome is their first, nino is their second and nelson their 3rd. Reinhart is a pylon imo.
- sens rock

My mistake.

They would easily get Niño in a deal for Kessel. Kessel with Tavares would be very strong. Kessel with Strome next year would be highly appealing.

Still does not answer the question whether it is time for the Leafs and Kessel to move forward.
- spatso

I think they'd get more than Nino, and quite easily.

Neither Kessel nor Spezza get that package imo.

Not discounting either player, but that's a big ol' package.
- Morris

Yes, it is. And as I mentioned, I think the sticking point on that one is Strome. Strome, and maybe one smaller piece, maybe gets it done. Josh Bailey or something liek that.

All things being equal I would agree 100%, but 25 years old vs 30.
7 mil cap hit for Spezza is also high, some of the baggage that comes with Spezza, I wouldnt put his trade value at much more if any at all.
- senstroll

The counter argument is that Kessel is signed for one more year, Spezza 3. Or 2 after this year? What is it? Anyway, longer.

The counter argument is that Kessel is signed for one more year, Spezza 3. Or 2 after this year? What is it? Anyway, longer.
- prock

I thought Ottawa would have dealt Spezza last year as part of their rebuild. Obviously they were smart to keep him and he had a fabulous year. But his age is now starting to get out of sync with all the young guys who are going to be pushing for spots. I could see the Senators dealing Spezza before next year.

I thought Ottawa would have dealt Spezza last year as part of their rebuild. Obviously they were smart to keep him and he had a fabulous year. But his age is now starting to get out of sync with all the young guys who are going to be pushing for spots. I could see the Senators dealing Spezza before next year.
- spatso

I dont see them moving him for the next 3, if ever.
I dont know if they have a replacement lined up (Zib?) so maybe Spezza can take a lesser role when hes done this contract and re-signs with Ottawa

I dont see them moving him for the next 3, if ever.
I dont know if they have a replacement lined up (Zib?) so maybe Spezza can take a lesser role when hes done this contract and re-signs with Ottawa
- senstroll

Ottawa has a very deep group of prospects. They introduced a few new players last year. Tuesday night they had 6 rookies in their starting line up and more coming. The Senators are pretty patient in the development of players. Spezza got sent back to junior and he had to play in the AHL. Even Karlsson was sent down to the AHL for part of his first year.

So, the question about Spezza becomes can he fit. Over the next three or four years can he become a Steve Yzerman influence that not only chips in a good contribution but also provides strong leadership on a very young team.

Spezza will stay in Ottawa, take over the Captaincy when Alfredsson retires, and if NOT resigned before the 2015 trading deadline, then he might be up for grabs in a trade.

It all depends on his fitness level after his recent surgery. If he comes back and stays healthy for the 2013-14 season and maintains his PPG and face-off prowess, then Ottawa may decide to open negotiations for a new contract, if not then they start planning for a post Spezza future.
- Doppleganger

Jeeebus, I didn't realize he was having back surgery.

I don't think you can ever really fully count on him to be healthy for a full season.

Jeeebus, I didn't realize he was having back surgery.

I don't think you can ever really fully count on him to be healthy for a full season.
- prock

The Senators "hope" to have him back for the playoffs. But they may be better off letting him re-hab right through the remainder of the season, the playoffs and the off-season.

I they can make the playoffs without him in the lineup, then they should just go with the roster as it is then, and not rush him into the lineup at risk of losing the team chemistry and further risk of injury to him because he will not be anywhere near "playoff conditioning".

The Senators "hope" to have him back for the playoffs. But they may be better off letting him re-hab right through the remainder of the season, the playoffs and the off-season.

I they can make the playoffs without him in the lineup, then they should just go with the roster as it is then, and not rush him into the lineup at risk of losing the team chemistry and further risk of injury to him because he will not be anywhere near "playoff conditioning".
- Doppleganger

I think your right. The optimistic view is that it is an 8 week rehab. If he is ready for contact by 8 it is a reasonable amount of time to get him ready for the playoffs. But, that might be unrealistic. They are probably better to go forward on the assumption that he will not play until next year.

aww
- Shutdown

aww

Damn the leafs destroyed the Habs last night.

Damn the leafs destroyed the Habs last night.
- RogerRoeper

Agony leads to ecstasy

Agony leads to ecstasy
- Doppleganger

hahaha. Good one dopps!!!

BTW, with all of the obsession over the Kessel deal and how it's already one of, if not THE worst in NHl history, the best player in that trade is still Phil Kessel. Seguin looks like crap this year, but who cares? He's a HHOF lock!. Same with Hamilton.

And bringing up Seguin and Hamilton allows people who hate the Leafs to avoid how the team really does have nice young talent on their team. They're currently the second youngest in the NHl and playing very well.

How about the "Bust" Kadri? How about Frattin, one of the NHL's top rookies this season? What about crappy James Reimer and his great numbers?

The Leafs have much better young talent than they're given credit for.

I thought guys like Kadri and Reimer were jokes and not fit for the NHL? Is Morgan Rielly a bust yet

BTW, with all of the obsession over the Kessel deal and how it's already one of, if not THE worst in NHl history, the best player in that trade is still Phil Kessel. Seguin looks like crap this year, but who cares? He's a HHOF lock!. Same with Hamilton.

And bringing up Seguin and Hamilton allows people who hate the Leafs to avoid how the team really does have nice young talent on their team. They're currently the second youngest in the NHl and playing very well.

How about the "Bust" Kadri? How about Frattin, one of the NHL's top rookies this season? What about crappy James Reimer and his great numbers?

The Leafs have much better young talent than they're given credit for.

I thought guys like Kadri and Reimer were jokes and not fit for the NHL? Is Morgan Rielly a bust yet
- RogerRoeper

Frattin isn't a rookie you asspillow.