Ditch Kessel?

Post #2:

This is a close call for me. I know all the bloggers out there with any creditability get it by having strong opinions. They either really like something or they don't. Well, the Kessel situation facing the Bruins this off-season is something I just can't pick a side on.

The story being rumored around today (from TSN) is in regards to trade talks between the Boston and Toronto clubs that would send young standout winger Phil Kessel and a later Bruins draft pick to the Leafs in exchange for defender Tomas Kaberle. Kaberle, who contributed to the Leafs with 27 helpers in 52 games, could substantially improve the Bruins power play. However, how much are they willing to sacrafice? I think Kessel's price is up after his 36 goal season, so this may be the best time to see what the Bruins can get for him, but if he can score 30-40 points every season why not keep him around?

Going into this off-season I knew there might be some hard trades to deal with, and it didn't help that young stars Kessel and David Krejci are in need of more substantial contracts in order to remain on board. Once they signed Krejci, I feared they'd have to make a decision like this with Kessel. Do they want to risk a larger contract on their young gun or go with a slightly more proven defender?

UPDATE: No trade as of yet, but who knows. Now that the Boston GM has floated that type of deal out there, watch out Kessel. It would be kind of a shame to see any talent like Kess go, especially for Kaberle, but if we were going to get someone like Jay Bouwmeester to secure our blue line, maybe I'd be in favor. At any rate, Kessel's free agency goes unrestricted next week. Hopefully the newly imposed cap won't hurt this young gun.