Better Know a Contender?

In 2008, the Dallas Cowboys traded a first-round pick (and thensome) to the Detroit Lions in return for wide receiver Roy Williams, which could end up being one of the worst trades of all-time.  That is, if the Maple Leafs trading for Phil Kessel in 2009 doesn't prove to be even worse.  For both trades had to be considered head-scratchers, particular in the case of the Leafs.  Roy had a specific purpose: to replace TO once the Cowboys inevitably let him go.  But what was the purpose of trading for Phil Kessel?  Did he actually fill a need?

While the Leafs were by no means an offensive powerhouse last year, they were definitely above average, scoring close to 3 goals per game.  If anything, the problem was on the defensive side of the equation.  Allowing damn near 3.5 goals per game, only one of the Leafs netminders had a GAA of .900 or better (Gerber's GAA was .902... and he's not even on the team anymore).   And this year, with the loss of Kubina, the team's defense appears to be even worse.  Up to this point in the season, Toronto is allowing over 4 goals per game.  FOUR FUCKING GOALS!  And not ONE of their three goaltenders is even sniffing a .900 GAA.

So again, what was the point of the Kessel trade?  Was the idea that instead of improving their defense, they would simply outscore their opponents via a series of 5-4 victories?  Or maybe with the acquisition of a possession forward, the pressure would be taken off of the goaltenders and defensemen, leading to more scoring opportunities for them, and less for their opponents?  Yeah well, let's just say that it's not working out so far, considering Kessel hasn't even dressed for a game.  Get used to that Toronto.  He's a bit on the soft side.

Sure, they added cocksucking Komisarek in the offseason as well.  But aside from a boost in douchiness, there has been no visible improvement in team defense.  In fact, things have only gotten worse.  At even strength, the Leafs allow two goals for every one that they score, and it only gets dramatically worse on the penalty kill with a pathetic (and league worse) 63% kill rate.  Suffice it to say, the Maple Leafs are a full-on disaster and Phil Kessel really isn't going to be much help considering his distaste for the backcheck.

Players to Watch:

Mats Sundin: Oh wait.  That's right... Who else we got?

Thomas Kaberle: An offensive-minded defenseman with an eye for the open man, Kaberle has been averaging well over 50 assists per 82 games played.  However, in order to actually of help this team, he's either going to have to start scoring more goals, or learn how to play goalie.

Niklas Hagman: The Finnish veteran has posted back-to-back 40 point seasons and currently leads the team in goals scored with 6 (SIX!).  However, considering that this team appears to be filled with playmakers as opposed to goal-scorers, Hagman is going to have to work a little harder around the net if the Leafs want any shot at winning more than 20 games this season.

Phil Kessel (Of course): Kessel is an explosive goal-scorer.  Before contracting mono in the 2008-2009 season, Kessel had compiled 41 points in only 42 games.  But that is becoming a theme with Kessel.  So long as he is on the ice, he is productive, but at this point in his career calling him injury-prone would not be inaccurate.  Whether or not Kessel can truly be of use to this Toronto team will have to wait until he finally takes the ice.  Especially considering that the Leafs have a 30% Power Play success rate at the moment.  But if you're a Bruins fan, then you're hoping Kessel and Leafs management take their sappy sweet time with this one