Speculation: Coyotes are preferred trade destination for Kessel

[Mosby]

As per The Athletic

Multiple sources have confirmed to The Athletic that Phil Kessel, while perfectly willing to remain with the Penguins, isn’t opposed to a trade that would end his time in Pittsburgh.

His preferred destination for a trade, though, appears to be out of the running.

Kessel would be willing to play for the Arizona Coyotes because of his relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet.

However, the Coyotes have informed the Penguins that such a transaction isn’t likely to happen for financial reasons. Kessel is owed $6.8 million per season for four more years — the Maple Leafs are responsible for the other $1.2 million of his contract — and the Coyotes simply aren’t willing to take on that kind of money. Arizona management told the Penguins it is intending on merely reaching the salary cap floor during the 2018-19 season.

Phil Kessel not opposed to leaving Penguins via trade

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[rent free]

surprised to hear this

 

[Number1RedWingsFan52]

Can't see Kessel willing to go to a cellar dweller, But he does have two cups with Pittsburgh. And maybe winning isn't important to him any more.

 

[McTonyBrar]

Can't see Kessel willing to go to a cellar dweller, But he does have two cups with Pittsburgh. And maybe winning isn't important to him any more.

He doesn't care at all anymore seems like. Probably wants to get out of the spotlight. What a loser

 

[dracom]

Can't see Kessel willing to go to a cellar dweller, But he does have two cups with Pittsburgh. And maybe winning isn't important to him any more.

Coyotes are not cellar dwellers imo anymore. They proved they can be a top team at the end of last season.

 

[Liferleafer]

Well, it is a pretty good place for old folks to go and retire....

 

[MasterMatt25]

Can't see Kessel willing to go to a cellar dweller, But he does have two cups with Pittsburgh. And maybe winning isn't important to him any more.

If Kessel goes there, they aren't anywhere near the cellar. Raanta looked lights out, their defense now has chemistry together and got a big boost with Galchenyuk to score goals and arrival of Dylan Strome. They are a darkhorse to make the playoffs

 

[Nico the Draft Riser]

He doesn't care at all anymore seems like. Probably wants to get out of the spotlight. What a loser

Yeah, screw the guy winning and making millions doing what he loves - he already has it too easy, he shouldnt be allowed to choose where he lives and spends some of his life!

 

[HockeyDBspecialist]

They have the cap space, why don't they trade for him ? he is such an underrated player at not a high value on the market because of his contract. His contract is not that high if you compare it to other elite wingers.

I always liked Kessel in Pitts, he actually carried them games in the playoff.. when you over shadow Crosby it's pretty amazing.

They can even push for a nice playoff spot this year with Strome coming and Chucky paired with a great Defensive synergized blue line.

 

[DRW204]

a line with Galchenyuk and Kessel might be interesting

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

Two years now of acquiring legit NHL pieces, and AZ is still trying to spend to the floor .. ?

Joke.

 

[Captain Controversy]

I think Kessel could help the yotes turn the corner.
He could help strome excel.

 

[Gospel of Prospal]

Now that's surprising

 

[rent free]

a line with Galchenyuk and Kessel might be interesting

it will be interesting for fans to watch them play no defense in their own zone

 

[sabresfan129103]

It seems like insanity that the Pens would trade him. 6.8 cap hit for 90+ points. I think he'll be good for at least 80 for the next 2 seasons. The value is too good. Something really nice would have to come Pittsburgh's way.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I think the Kessel to Arizona deal died when Arizona traded Domi to Montreal (who the Penguins were very interested in from all accounts, I've read it from multiple sources at this point). I can't think of a reasonable package from Arizona with Domi now out of the picture.

Then again, Kovacevic said the Penguins want a top-5 pick in this draft, and what pick do the Coyotes have? The #5 pick. Kessel for the #5 pick+ is a possibility, although I'd be mad about that trade.

 

[Mackiaveli]

Can't see Kessel willing to go to a cellar dweller, But he does have two cups with Pittsburgh. And maybe winning isn't important to him any more.

With speculation that Kessel wants to move, and Panarin would consider a trade, if the Yotes could bring both of those guys in without moving any of their pick, Keller, Strome, Fischer ----

Panarin/Stepan/Kessel
Tkachuk/Galchenyuk/Keller
Perlini/Strome/Fischer
Panik/Dvorak/Rinaldo

That is a very very scary offensive group. Very scary.

 

[4mattylights]

Coyotes are not cellar dwellers imo anymore. They proved they can be a top team at the end of last season.

LOL

 

[Duck Off]

They're doing something right in AZ. Been awful for years but players still like to sign and re-sign there.

 

[izzy]

adding him would be just what the improving young core needs to really hit the big time

defense is kinda iffy though

 

[RoyIsALegend]

They're doing something right in AZ. Been awful for years but players still like to sign and re-sign there.

Yep, it has everything to do with how awesome of a franchise the Coyotes are.

 

[orby]

I think a deal like Kessel for 5th overall + prospect makes some sense, but I can understand the Coyotes not wanting to take on the contract. If not there, what other teams might be a good destination for Phil? Minnesota?

 

[Bazeek]

I think a deal like Kessel for 5th overall + prospect makes some sense, but I can understand the Coyotes not wanting to take on the contract. If not there, what other teams might be a good destination for Phil? Minnesota?

Minnesota's a good fit for all the wrong reasons. Okay, mostly the wrong reasons.

 

[Zrhutch]

Man, if the Yotes have a change of heart and grab him, that’s kind of a nasty top six with him, Keller, Stepan, Chucky and whoever else they grab. I’d like them a lot in the Pacific.

 

[TomasHertlsRooster]

Coyotes are not cellar dwellers imo anymore. They proved they can be a top team at the end of last season.

Lol. Yeah, they played at a 94 point pace over the second half of last season when they finally got things together. They totally are a force to be reckoned with!