Ritter's Rant: A Look into the NHL

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

Making a Pitch for Kessel Would Be “Ballsy”...

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke went out and re-acquired their own second round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks, giving them a first, second, and third round pick in 2010.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie points out on his blog that having a first, second, and third round pick puts the Leafs in the position to submit an offer sheet on a player. Boston Bruins center Phil Kessel’s name has come up, but I wonder...is Kessel worth a first, second, and third round draft choice?

Here is some food for thought. The 2010-11 NHL Entry Draft is regarded as a weak draft. Sure, there will be some good players that come out of this draft, but the waters are very muddy and top tier talent will be hard to come by.

Kessel is regarded as a player that has tremendous upside, maybe even the kind of player that could score 50 goals, but at 5’11" and 180 pounds, he hardly fits the bill of a “Brian Burke” player, doesn't he?

If Burke does sign a restricted free agent, the media will have a field day about the hypocrisy of Burke making such a move. We all remember what happened when Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe signed Dustin Penner away from the Anaheim Ducks, don’t we?

It all smells a little fishy to me. Why would Burke put himself into that kind of position? More likely, after the Kaberle deal fell apart, one has to think that the Bruins and Leafs held some talks about Kessel’s value and determined that a first, second, and third rounder was the price. The Bruins will not make a fuss, they will just let Kessel walk.

In the end, the Leafs get the coveted top six forward they so desperately need and the Bruins get futures and the cap space they so desperately need—it’s a win-win if you ask me. The only question now: How much money will it take to keep Kessel in blue and white long-term?

Ladies First?

What’s going on with Canada’s Women’s hockey teams? Once thought to be the top dog of Women’s International hockey, Canada is quickly becoming an also-ran to the United States.

Canada’s 2-1 loss on Sunday marked the fourth time in a row that the United States had captured a major international competition, something that has many worried about Canada’s chances at the 2010 Olympics. Said Canada’s captain Hayley Wickenheiser of the situation, “I don’t know if they’re in our heads, but it would certainly be (nice) to beat them.”

Here, here Hayley...as Larry the Cable Guy would say, once the Olympics start, team Canada needs to "Git’er done!"

Hidden Costs?

The Toronto Star reports that the NHL has set the price tag for relocation into Hamilton between $101 and $195 Million.

Couple of things here. First, with that kind of price tag attached to relocating the Phoenix Coyotes, you can pretty much count out the Ice Edge Group.

That said, I find it very curious that the relocation fee is so high. By setting the relocation as high as it is, the NHL is all but admitting that the Coyotes franchise is not worth as much as one located in Hamilton.

Essentially, the NHL is devaluing its league..."What you talkin' about Gary?"

In the end, money will not intimidate Jim Balsillie. One thing is very clear: If money was the only obstacle in Balsillie’s way, he would own an NHL franchise by now. This latest news does nothing to change the outlook, it’s still the NHL vs. Balsillie...may the best man win...

Two’s a Crowd

Are the Anaheim Ducks really going to head into another NHL season with both goaltenders, J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller, on the roster? Surely there has to be a taker for Giguere, isn’t there?

Giguere, a former Stanley Cup (2007) and Conn Smythe trophy winner (2003), had a tough season in 2009-10, but with the death of his father behind him, I think he is due for a huge improvement on his 19-18-6 record.

I still think the Los Angeles Kings could use an upgrade in net, could Giguere be an option?

Until next time,

Peace!