Calgary Flames Left Questioning, Leafs High Draft Pick Worth Kessel?

Calgary is officially out of the playoff race.the Leafs would make the playoffs next year. Maybe
The Flames are the 4th highest paid team in the NHLif the Sharks will choke like every other year. Or
as of right now. The Flames have consistently donepossibly the Sidney Crosby Vs. Alex Ovechkin debate,
poorly since the lockout. This has players wonderingunfortunately you would be wrong. The question I have
about their job security. I think it's safe to say that theybeen asked most, is if the Phil Kessel deal was the
should be.right move.
The Flames season can be summarized intoI have one response when somebody asks me that,
under-achievers and poor trades. The additions ofyes. I know people arguing against the trade believe
Jamal Mayers, Matt Stajan, Ian White, and NiklasKessel isn't worth the first rounder (especially due to
Hagman could not push the Flames into the playoffs.the high draft pick the Leafs will receive due to poor
With Ian White's contract up for renewal at the end ofplay this season). Some say the Leafs could have
the season look for him to be resigned by the Flames.picked up Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin in the 2010-2011
Ian White is one of the most under-rated DefensemanNHL Entry Draft.
in the entire league. White is a defensemen you don'tHowever Phil Kessel is a 21 year old solidified 30-goal
hear a lot about and that's because he doesn't makescorer. Taylor Hall will be 19 at the start of next
mistakes.season and will definitely need some seasoning (don't
Calgary will not be able to resign everybody with theexpect 30+ goals from Hall in the next season).
cap situation right now. Expect some activity throughPerimeter players like Kessel and Hall are always a
trades on draft day.risk when coming to the big leagues. It is hard to tell
It will be interesting to watch the Flames in thewhether a play who sticks to the outside has the skill
off-season.or strength to pick grown men apart with shots and
This year I have been consistently asked one questionspeed. Phil Kessel has shown he does. Taylor Hall is
more than any other. You might think it was about ifstill a question mark.