Sep
20
Written by:
Norman Rumack
9/20/2009 1:18 AM
Just about everyone (meaning the fans of course) would like an instant answer to the question as to "who won" the trade between the Leafs and Bruins, with Phil Kessel coming to Toronto for two first round picks (2010 and 2011) and a second round selection in the 2010 draft as well.So let's look at all the dynamics that are part of analyzing the swap. In terms of Phil Kessel,my information from people close to the scene in Boston,is that Kessel's behavior around players and others close to the team was interpreted by some as being selfish and to others as rude.Kessel is regarded by a highly competent scout I know as a "good player" but not a "franchise player". What is the likelihood that his personality will change from what it was in Boston ?I don't know him and have never spoken with him,so I am not qualified to answer that question and probably Kessel is the only one who can.Having had a Cancer scare myself, you have to admire the fact that at a young age he had to deal with the reality of testicular Cancer and has continued on with his career. So in that sense, he must be mentally tough and you have to salute him for that. Jason Blake also came to the Leafs with concerns about his relationship with teammates and coaches on Long Island, Los Angeles and even prior to turning professional. There have been allegations that he has turned off some of his Leaf teammates in his first few seasons with the club.To his credit, he responded well to the coaching tactics of Ron Wilson last year. Much like Phil Kessel, Blake has coped with Cancer as well, and only those who have dealt with that nightmare know what it's like. To be perfectly fair , you have to cut him some slack as well on how that impacts his daily life and psyche.I have never spoken with Jason Blake, but I have spoken with hockey people who are familiar with the teams he played with.Getting back to Kessel, you wonder how he will fit in with his Leafs teammates, and having said that, perhaps Blake and Kessel can help each other along as individuals and with the other players on the team, in terms of understanding how their challenges with Cancer have impacted them.It's entirely that their common bond could be a positive force for both and maybe the Leafs in general. The other dynamic here is of course, the draft picks Toronto sent to Boston in this deal.It's quite clear that Brian Burke has targeted making the playoffs this year as a key objective.That is entirely possible in the Eastern Conference.Without the first round picks however, it is unlikely the Leafs will be able to find a franchise player (i.e.;Crosby ,Tavares etc. ).If Toronto were to struggle this year, or suffer injuries to key players,their spot in the first round of the draft, now owned by Boston, could turn out to be a lottery pick.That is the risk that Brian Burke is willing to take, for this year and next.The tried and true way to build dynasties or at least teams that can challenge for championships consistently, has been through the draft along with smart transactions and free agent acquisitions (i.e.; New England Patriots, Detroit Red Wings ). Can Brian Burke fast track the Maple Leafs to the top by doing it his way? Only time will tell, because no one else has the answer to that question right now.
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