The Toronto Maple Leafs severed ties with Phil Kessel on Wednesday, shipping the polarizing winger to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a six-player deal.
While Kessel draws the ire of many who watch him for a perceived lack of intensity and commitment to fitness, you can’t argue with his production. The 27-year-old is a five-time 30-goal scorer and easily the best player the Maple Leafs have called their own since Mats Sundin left town.
Don Cherry took to Twitter to share his opinion on the Kessel trade — defending the winger as an elite scoring talent who will help the Penguins immediately. Cherry called the deal “a good trade for both teams,” and praised the Maple Leafs for the direction they’re moving in with smallish skilled players.