Rumors starting popping up yesterday about Jeff Carter heading to the Maple Leafs 'soon'.Now, while it's entirely possible that Burke and co. are working on a deal to bring the big center to the buds, I'm not entirely sure he is.
Burke has said in the past that he doesn't like those 5+ year contracts that other teams are handing out. Carter at the start of the year signed an 11-year(!) contract extension with the Flyers. So why are there rumors about his pending trade?
Well for one, the Flyers need a shakeup to free some cap-space (if not a shakeup of player personnel). The obvious response to this is that it makes no sense to deal Carter in an effort to clear-up cap-space. In which I respond, true.
Also playing a factor in these rumors is his NTC that kicks in this summer. So if the Flyers want to pull the trigger on a deal they have a window to do it in which Carter has no say in his destination.
It's no secret that the Maple Leafs are looking to add a legit first-line center, but is Carter the right fit? And what would the Maple Leafs be willing to give up? One would think a Nazem Kadri or Joe Colborne would have to be in the mix. So you start with Joe Colborne + 1st round selection and add from there. On the other hand, there's Burke's reluctance to invest in any player over 5 years, which takes Carter and his lengthy contract out of the picture.
Carter is also coming off two back-to-back 60-65 point seasons. Isn't this the same type of production people (media, rival fans) are criticizing Kessel for? At least Kessel has an excuse if he needs one, Carter is playing around all-star forward talent.
Don't get me wrong, Carter would make this team that much better. But at the same time is it wise to trade a ton of assets for him? I've already read some rumored trade prices on the internet and the returns are absurd for a player who's eclipsed 'elite' totals once.
At the same time, he's young (26), and has a ton of potential to be a 40-40 guy. I don't think he's the ideal fit for Kessel (personally I think Paul Stastny fits that bill), but I also think having a big center like Carter would open up more space for Kessel to work his magic. If anything, taking pressure off of him to produce.
I wouldn't be against offering a package of future assets for Carter. I'd certainly build something around Joe Colborne + 1st in 2011, but at the same time there is concern with the length of that contract and the NTC that's strapped in with it.
Do I want him on the Maple Leafs? Yes. Would I pay more than what the Maple Leafs gave up for Kessel (prior to knowing it was a 2nd overall and 9th overall selection they were handing out)? Slightly - Carter is a bit more established than Kessel was.
It'll be interesting to see how it unfolds. At the end of the day I'd be surprised to see Carter get dealt. I think there are a few other options that will be shipped before they turn on Carter.
