MTL/PIT Boom.

[Nick]

Loui is really good, but he's not the best player on the stars.

[MSP4LYFE]

I remember when people on a certain message board use to talk shit about me when I said I would take Louis Erikkson over Phil Kessel.

I still would to this day.

Nice trade all around, although I think shiv got the best value. Thats what you have to give up though to get big name players like Toews though.

I still would to this day, anyone who takes Eriksson over Kessel in real life is a fucking moron.

Phil Kessel:

2008-09 - Boston Bruins: 70GP 36G 24A 60PTS (21)
2009-10 - Toronto Maple Leafs: 70 GP 30G 25A 55PTS (22)
2010-11 - Toronto Maple Leafs: 82GP 32G 32A 64PTS (23)

Loui Eriksson:

None (21)
2006-07 - Dallas Stars: 59 GP 6G 13A 19PTS (22)
2007-08 - Dallas Stars: 69GP 14G 17A 31PTS (23)

The comparison becomes even more laughable when you compare each players respective line-mates. Despite being 3 years older, and playing alongside James Neal and Brad Richards for most of the season, Loui Eriksson only mustered up 9 more points than Kessel this season...Defensively Eriksson is the better player, but offensively Kessel is the superior player, with a far greater ceiling, clearly.

[MSP4LYFE]

It should also be noted that Kessel had achieved a higher gpg output than Eriksson in each of the last three seasons, despite the age difference and disparity in linemates.

[KapG]

When you add in the defensive aspect of Louis's game he's the better overall player IMO and someone I would rather have on my team.

Also. There is a wider gap between the defensive gamess of the two than the offensive, in louis's favor. Kessel is a no show in the defensive game.


Oh well we are stuck with kessel for now.....hopefully he can depusify himself and maybe crack 40 too

[MSP4LYFE]

When you add in the defensive aspect of Louis's game he's the better overall player IMO and someone I would rather have on my team.

Also. There is a wider gap between the defensive gamess of the two than the offensive, in louis's favor. Kessel is a no show in the defensive game.


Oh well we are stuck with kessel for now.....hopefully he can depusify himself and maybe crack 40 too

Actually no, it's not. At the same age Loui Eriksson was a third liner offensively, the difference between Kessel and Eriksson offensively is even greater (at the same age) than the difference defensively. In fact I would wager that you are severely overrating Erikssons defensive game, either way, you are wrong. Kessel is the better hockey player, and the one I would take on my team every day of the week.

Give Kessel Neal and Richards as linemates at 23 (not 26), and he breaks 90 points...

[KapG]

When you add in the defensive aspect of Louis's game he's the better overall player IMO and someone I would rather have on my team.

Also. There is a wider gap between the defensive gamess of the two than the offensive, in louis's favor. Kessel is a no show in the defensive game.


Oh well we are stuck with kessel for now.....hopefully he can depusify himself and maybe crack 40 too

Actually no, it's not. At the same age Loui Eriksson was a third liner offensively, the difference between Kessel and Eriksson offensively is even greater (at the same age) than the difference defensively. In fact I would wager that you are severely overrating Erikssons defensive game, either way, you are wrong. Kessel is the better hockey player, and the one I would take on my team every day of the week.

Give Kessel Neal and Richards as linemates at 23 (not 26), and he breaks 90 points...

Hopefully kessel can prove you right this year. The leafs could use it

[Nick]

Kessel is the rarer hockey player no doubt, how good is Loui offensively? tough to call how his solo game is when Dallas top 6 has been frigging awesome for some time (b.rich, Ribby, morrow, neal, & benn).

[MSP4LYFE]

Hopefully kessel can prove you right this year. The leafs could use it

I hope so too, and I think the potential is there if Connolly can stay healthy, and Liles helps improve the pp.

[KapG]

Hopefully kessel can prove you right this year. The leafs could use it

I hope so too, and I think the potential is there if Connolly can stay healthy, and Liles helps improve the pp.

Having him play with Connolly as his C should give us a better idea of what he's got, for sure. Would like someone better than lupul to go with them, c'est la vie tho.

Lupus did look ok at the end of last season so I'll give him some more time..

[MSP4LYFE]

I like Lupul, he showed alot at the end of the season when paired with Kessel.

[KapG]

I like Lupul, he showed alot at the end of the season when paired with Kessel.

Yah that's why I'm cool for giving him more time to start this season before I declare him as needing to be replaced.


I want the season to start so badlyyyyyy

[Lee]

I like Lupul, he showed alot at the end of the season when paired with Kessel.

Yah that's why I'm cool for giving him more time to start this season before I declare him as needing to be replaced.


I want the season to start so badlyyyyyy

I'd be fine with training camp.

[KapG]

Good point. A bit of a build up before puck drop on the first game of the year would be nice.

[The BBKL Insider]

I don't think Lupul will even start the year on the top line. Having 3 right handed shots is like trying to jerk off with the hand you cut all your fingers off.

It just doesn't work.

MacA - Connolly - Thrill

[bills09]

Kules Connolly Thrill
Mac Grabo Lupul

pls and thankyou

[Chris]

I don't think Lupul will even start the year on the top line. Having 3 right handed shots is like trying to jerk off with the hand you cut all your fingers off.

It just doesn't work.

MacA - Connolly - Thrill

There's always the stranger. Welcome to Toronto Timothy Connolly!

[Robin Hood]

I don't think Lupul will even start the year on the top line. Having 3 right handed shots is like trying to jerk off with the hand you cut all your fingers off.

It just doesn't work.

MacA - Connolly - Thrill

+1. That being said I think this is Kulemin's year. People talk a lot about Kessel, Grabo and Kadri. IMO Kulemin is going to be our best best forward by season's end and put up huge numbers.

[Shep]

There is no way they start the year with Kule/Grabo/MacA separated.

[Scott]

There is no way they start the year with Kule/Grabo/MacA separated.

Agreed 100%

[Mash]

There is no way they start the year with Kule/Grabo/MacA separated.

Agreed 100%

for sure...by far the most consistently solid line the leafs had.