Peter_Doherty wrote:I actually think that Phaneuf and Kessel are still really really good players, they just can't deal with the farce that is Toronto media, for everyones sake i hope they both get traded this summer...
I think both will be good in the right situations and agree that they need to get out of TO this summer.
The problem with Phaneuf is that his play plateaued after the 07-08 season with the Flames. For his first 3 years, he was a 2nd pairing D-Man and did well. He also threw a lot more checks and shot the puck a lot. After he signed his mega extension and thrust into a top pairing, he slipped and could never get back to his first 3 years in Calgary. As many have said, Dion was a little overrated because of his juniors performance and physical game. He's really only a 2nd pairing defenseman right now and could be a very good one in the right environment. He's also never been much of a leader and maybe being one of the guys instead of the guy will put some confidence back in his game.
As for Kessel, he's a PPG winger who had an off-year. Again, he shouldn't be the star of the team and in a team where he'd be insulated better, I'd have him on my team. There are concerns with the contract, fitness, determination, etc etc. Given that people think he's uncoachable and his off year, I'd take a gamble on him IF the price wasn't high and if the Leafs ate some salary. He's 26-27 which is still fairly young, but worth a gamble at the right price
You can be funny when you want to 
