Phil Kessel - Was he worth the price?

It seems like yesterday when the Phil Kessel blockbuster was announced. Brian Burke, the new Leafs GM, had just pushed the Leafs from an average Eastern Conference dweller, to a playoff team, or that's what Leafs fans thought.

Discussion about Phil Kessel's duty had been raging since the draft. First the rumours were Kessel for Kaberle, then Kaberle and a first rounder, and soon it was an offer sheet. Finally a trade would be finalized between Brian Burke and Boston GM, Peter Chiarelli. Phil Kessel was now a Leaf, but for a steep price. The Leafs would send Boston their first and second round picks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and another first rounder in 2011.

Looking back on that trade, I was absolutely thrilled, as was the majority of Leafs Nation. Fast-forward a year, and we now see some doubt. With the NHL Lottery concluding this past month, the Boston Bruins are set to pick second overall. The two likely candidates for the pick are Windsor Spitfire, Taylor Hall, or Plymouth Whaler, Tyler Seguin.

As of this point in his young career, Phil Kessel has collected two thirty-goal seasons. The winner of this deal will be known based on the careers of Phil Kessel and this second overall pick. If Kessel can become the forty or fifty goal scorer Leafs fans expect from him, then this deal is a great success from Toronto's standpoint. However, if Boston selects a franchise player, this deal could be very easily won by Boston, especially if those two other picks become full-time NHLer's.

As Brian Burke said on Leafs Lunch recently, "I would do the Phil Kessel trade again right now," and I agree with Brian Burke.

Phil Kessel is a young sniper, something the Leafs have been missing for a decade. Excluding Mats Sundin, Kessel is the first Leaf to score thirty goals in a season since Alexander Mogilny suited up for the blue and white.

Yes, Brian Burke would love to have the second overall pick, but that is the past. He must move forward with his young Leafs team, and continue to build them into a winning franchise. Phil Kessel has Rocket Richard winning potential, and with a playmaking centre, he will become a natural forty-goal scorer in my honest opinion.

Often forgotten is Kessel's playoff performances. Over his two post-season visits with the Boston Bruins, Kessel has recorded a point-per-game. He has all the tools to become one of the best forwards in the game, and I am sure all hockey fans will see his development over the next few seasons.

I may be a minority, but I am still a fan of the Phil Kessel trade. Three years down the road when these other prospects have developed, that is the time to decide a winner for this deal. Until then, enjoy the hockey!