Trade Rumor: Arizona Coyotes Dealing Phil Kessel

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the hockey insider sees Phil Kessel as a legitimate target to be traded from the Arizona Coyotes. The 'Yotes are admittedly trying to get younger and the 33-year-old sniper, entering the final season of his contract is a prime candidate to be moved.

Kessel is coming off yet another 20-goal season and recently collected his 900th point in the NHL. He was one of the Coyotes most consistent players and his contract may be the most appealing part about acquiring him next season. Given all the signing bonuses throughout Kessel's contract, his base salary next season is actually only $1 million cash. This is music to the ears of NHL ownership groups across the league.

Kessel finished this season with 43 points on a disappointing Coyotes teams. His ability to stay healthy and score goals will be attractive to many general managers. Teams expected to be interested in trading for Kessel include the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders and Florida Panthers.

He does submit a list of 8 teams he won't be interested in playing for, so that will certainly bare some weight as well. It's likely a draft pick either in the first two rounds, along with a prospect will be the asking price for Kessel.