Redleaf
Active member
Nik the Trik said:bustaheims said:Sure, but, really, the only players you can really build a Cup winner around are guys like Crosby. If you don't have that elite, generational type talent, you're always building a team "with" players instead of "around" players.
I think it's a largely meaningless distinction. Jonathan Toews isn't an elite, generational kind of talent but he's a good enough player to be the best player on a cup winner. The team didn't build "around" him as they had Kane, Keith and Seabrook first but he's clearly the player who their team is structured around.
I think the real question should be whether or not the Leafs can become one of the most talented teams in the league, on par with your Chicago's and San Jose's and such, without adding any players who contribute more than Kessel does. "Building around" Kessel should really read as being comfortable with Kessel being the team's best player going forward. To me, if Kessel is the team's best player you're already starting from a disadvantage compared to the, say, 10 or so teams who have better players. Even if we agree that building a cup winner is possible starting from that disadvantage, why should that be anyone's goal?
I'll agree with this.
The problem with Kessel isn't his skill level or his determination. It's the fact that he isn't 'captain' material. He isn't the type of guy the rest of the team can rally around. He's not going to be vocal in the dressing room or on the ice and lead this team like a Sundin or Gilmour did before him.
The missing piece to this team is someone that will wear the 'C' and be a good enough player to be the leader of this team. Once you find or identify a player like that, (whether its a Statsny or McDavid or even someone already in the organization), the Leafs will be a much better club because of it.