Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins put Phil Kessel’s name out there earlier this season.
The only way trading Kessel makes sense is that the return makes them better, and it may be ‘nearly impossible’ to trade Kessel and make them better this season.
There are few teams that would be willing to give up substantial assets for the 31-year old.
Kessel recorded 92 points last season – 50 at even strength, 42 on the power plays.
He carries a $6.8 million cap hit teams usually don’t want to give up a lot for someone over 30.