Phil Kessel, Agrees To 5 year/$27 Million Deal With Maple Leafs

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

The worst kept secret this summer has finally come to fruition, Phil Kessel, who had been rumored to be on the move all summer long, is finally a Toronto Maple Leaf.

In return for Kessel the Boston Bruins will receive first and a second round pick in 2010, and a first round pick in 2011. It’s a steep price to pay, but the Leafs were in dire need of a first line Winger and, besides, would you rather give up All-Star defenseman Tomas Kaberle or a couple of pick’s?

Kessel, who scored 36 goals last season and added 24 helpers, will bring the scoring the Leafs so badly needed. He was also a plus +23 last season, proving he is an all-round player.

For his part, Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke was thrilled to land Kessel stating, “Bringing Phil Kessel aboard, it's a statement to our players that we intend to be competitive right away, and I think he gives us a dimension that we need.”

Clearly, Burke thinks this addition will make the Leafs a legitimate playoff team, something Leaf fans would kill for. Kessel is just that good, he will be a huge threat and he will make the other players around him better.

Shortly after the trade the Leafs signed Kessel to a five-year/$27 million deal. The Leafs are committed to Kessel, Kessel to the Leafs, which means Toronto fans have something to be excited about for the first time in a long time. Brian Burke now has a legitimate forward to build around.

We’ll have to wait and see who Leaf head coach Ron Wilson lines up with Kessel, the leading candidates would likely be Left Winger Alex Ponikarovsky and Centre Mikhael Grabovski.

It’s an exciting time for Leaf fans, let’s just hope Kessel can deliver. Great move Mr. Burke, what a transformation!

Until next time,

Peace!

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