Bruins trade of Kessel, a move for 2010

Stories are all over the place about Phil Kessel and the reasons he is gone. Yes, there is the reason that Kessel didn't want to be in Boston. However, a reason that is being forgotten is a simple one, 2010.

No, I'm not talking about the Bruins acquisition of Toronto's 2010 first round draft pick. I am talking about the Bruins laundry list of free agents coming at the commencement of the 2009-2010 season.

First the Restricted Free Agents: Tuukka Rask, Mark Stuart, Vladimir Sobotka, Milan Lucic, Blake Wheeler.

Now, the Unrestricted Free Agents: Marc Savard, Derek Morris, Andrew Ference, Shawn Thornton, Steve Begin, John Boychuck, Mark Recchi (Likely will retire).

Wow, that is a lot of your 2009-2010 Bruins lineup looking at a new pay day in July 2010. Tying up players like Rask, Lucic and Wheeler is imperative for the Bruins.

Boston just could not tie up $5.4 million a year in Kessel this off-season and expect to sign the majority of these players back. The big question will be Savard and whether or not Boston will be able to tie him up. Savard will be looking for a solid pay upgrade, in the neighborhood of $6+ million a season.

Now Bruins faithful, let me ask you, who would you rather keep? Lucic and Wheeler or Kessel? Now of course it is not that cut and dry, but the Bruins had to look at 2010, before making a deal for Kessel.