If they're giving one more year, yes it will likely be.
- RogerRoeper

Still have to pay him top UFA dollars to be the most lucrative. 1 year isn't much difference if you don't.

No, you're off by one years, he is going to be 26 in two months and a few days.

He will be 27 when his current deal expires July 1st 2014

If he signs an 8 year Deal, after July 1st 2014, he will be 35 years old when it ends in 2022.
- Doppleganger

Is there something in the water in Ontario?

His birthday is in October. I didn't realize it was August right now...

Because he doesn't just score goals.
- RogerRoeper

Actually, that's pretty much all he does TBH

Still have to pay him top UFA dollars to be the most lucrative. 1 year isn't much difference if you don't.
- gretzky

I don't see Kessel getting much of a raise. 6M maybe, but he needs to turn around this season and play close to a ppg next year to get that type of money.

I don't see Kessel getting much of a raise. 6M maybe, but he needs to turn around this season and play close to a ppg next year to get that type of money.
- sens rock

Some team would be dumb/desperate enough to offer him 7+m as a UFA and his agent knows it.

Toronto will have to offer him 6.5+ IMO

Actually, that's pretty much all he does TBH
- gretzky

Not aware of his great passing skills or the fact he leads the team in assists?

I don't see Kessel getting much of a raise. 6M maybe, but he needs to turn around this season and play close to a ppg next year to get that type of money.
- sens rock

He has 15 points in 19 games and is tied for the team lead. He's playing pretty darn good.

And with guys like Leino getting 4.5 million per as UFA's, you don't honestly see teams giving Phil an increase? Let's be serious. UFA's get overpaid every year.

Not aware of his great passing skills or the fact he leads the team in assists?
- RogerRoeper

All of his passes are tape to tape that's for sure.



Just not always to a Leaf player...

Some team would be dumb/desperate enough to offer him 7+m as a UFA and his agent knows it.

Toronto will have to offer him 6.5+ IMO
- gretzky

This is a young, elite offensive talent. He can score 30+ goals with AHL players centering him. It is not "Desperate" to give him that money. The guy is a star. You don't see him as that because he's a Leaf. His numbers speak for themselves.

Giving Parise/Suter 13 years until they are 40. THAT"s desperate.

All of his passes are tape to tape that's for sure.



Just not always to a Leaf player...
- gretzky

His passes are terrific. One of the best passing wingers in all of hockey. He was originally a centre because of his passing ability.

His passes are terrific. One of the best passing wingers in all of hockey. He was originally a centre because of his passing ability.
- RogerRoeper

No offense but if players like Taylor Hall, John Tavares, Jordan Eberle, etc. are all signed at 6 million or under thru their prime, then Kessel at 7 million until he is 33/34 is just bad value.

Heck, that's pretty much Stamkos money.

Thus the dumb/desperate part...

His passes are terrific. One of the best passing wingers in all of hockey. He was originally a centre because of his passing ability.
- RogerRoeper

I was implying he has horrible decision making with his passes.

Which he does.

He led your team in giveaways significantly last year.

I was implying he has horrible decision making with his passes.

Which he does.

He led your team in giveaways significantly last year.
- gretzky

Ron Wilson's crap system. It won't happen again. For proof, look at the goalie numbers and GA.

No offense but if players like Taylor Hall, John Tavares, Jordan Eberle, etc. are all signed at 6 million or under thru their prime, then Kessel at 7 million until he is 33/34 is just bad value.

Heck, that's pretty much Stamkos money.

Thus the dumb/desperate part...
- gretzky

Kessel will get UFA calibre rmoney, that's the difference. Those players were signed very early in their careers. They got more money upfront, in return for a better value as they hit their primes.

You can use so many examples of why it's good or bad. But the fact is, he's worth a big contract.

Kessel will get UFA calibre rmoney, that's the difference. Those players were signed very early in their careers. They got more money upfront, in return for a better value as they hit their primes.

You can use so many examples of why it's good or bad. But the fact is, he's worth a big contract.
- RogerRoeper

I am sure you will feel the same way when you have a 34 year old Kessel making 7 million per season.

I am sure you will feel the same way when you have a 34 year old Kessel making 7 million per season.
- gretzky

Why would Kessel be bad into his 30's? He's as healthy as can be, and his lack of physical play will extend his career.

The Luongo deal, now that's a bad one. He's 34 now and has 9 years left.

Why would Kessel be bad into his 30's? He's as healthy as can be, and his lack of physical play will extend his career.

The Luongo deal, now that's a bad one. He's 34 now and has 9 years left.
- RogerRoeper

Out of Kessel's 6+ seasons he has under his belt, he has only played one season at which 7 million wouldn't be a complete over payment.


So how would signing him at that amount until 34 not be considered a *bit* of a gamble?

Even THIS YEAR he isn't playing like a 7 million dollar player..

I was implying he has horrible decision making with his passes.

Which he does.

He led your team in giveaways significantly last year.
- gretzky

Players that handle the puck a lot tend to have a lot. Kovalchuk led the league in giveaways, he's brutal..... Last years Norris winner had more giveaways than kessel as did Thornton, getzlaf, spezza just to name a few.

He has 15 points in 19 games and is tied for the team lead. He's playing pretty darn good.

And with guys like Leino getting 4.5 million per as UFA's, you don't honestly see teams giving Phil an increase? Let's be serious. UFA's get overpaid every year.
- RogerRoeper

they also have grabovski making 5.5 which really hurts them in negotations.

Players that handle the puck a lot tend to have a lot. Kovalchuk led the league in giveaways, he's brutal..... Last years Norris winner had more giveaways than kessel as did Thornton, getzlaf, spezza just to name a few.
- burn

Are you really debating he has decision making issues with his passing?

Almost every time I watch him he passes the puck right to an opposing player at least a few times a game.

Is there something in the water in Ontario?

His birthday is in October. I didn't realize it was August right now...
- gretzky

HE'S IN A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE, LEAVE HIM ALONE.

Actually, that's pretty much all he does TBH
- gretzky

try watching. The guy's passes are amazing. His defensive game is rounding out. He even throws hits.


Seriously, if you think all he does is score goals, you really haven't been paying attention. It's hard to believe that you actually have watched any Leafs games, and still honestly think that he only scores.

That or you're just a troll.
*gasp*

Are you really debating he has decision making issues with his passing?

Almost every time I watch him he passes the puck right to an opposing player at least a few times a game.
- gretzky

Are you saying the Norris winner is a terrible passer? Is Thornton and getzlaf and spezza??

Kessel is a terrific passer, to say otherwise is insanity and a clear indication you don't watch him at all.

try watching. The guy's passes are amazing. His defensive game is rounding out. He even throws hits.


Seriously, if you think all he does is score goals, you really haven't been paying attention. It's hard to believe that you actually have watched any Leafs games, and still honestly think that he only scores.

That or you're just a troll.
*gasp*
- Feeling Glucky?

Thats really grasping. 6 hits in 19 games.

Are you saying the Norris winner is a terrible passer? Is Thornton and getzlaf and spezza??

Kessel is a terrific passer, to say otherwise is insanity and a clear indication you don't watch him at all.
- burn

I didn't realize Kessel won the Norris...