Trade Rumor: Phil Kessel Interested in These 5 Teams

The Arizona Coyotes have informed forward Phil Kessel he is not in the team's plans this season. Instead, the 'Yotes plan on trading the veteran sniper and word is Kessel wants to go to a contender. Here's five teams which are rumored to make sense for Kessel.

Florida Panthers: While not legitimate Stanley Cup contenders just yet, certainly a team that's on the up and up. Not to mention Kessel would love the nice weather and mixing in a golf game and some fishing on a day off. The Panthers have some prospects worth taking a look at if you're the Coyotes. The one kicker here though is the fact the Panthers don't have a first or second round pick in 2022. So if this deal gets done it's for multiple prospects.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Brian Burke has traded for Kessel once already in his career and it could certainly happen again. Don't expect the Penguins to sell the farm here but if there's a prospect the Coyotes love, Burke and Ron Hextall may consider shipping it out as it's likely someone they didn't draft. Look for the Penguins to try and include defenseman Marcus Pettersson in the deal to make the money work. There will need to be a lot of pot sweetening here.

Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are no longer bottom feeders and are looking to upgrade their hockey club. They've been in on the Jack Eichel talks and Kessel is someone who could make sense. Would allow the team to move Dustin Brown down in the lineup and having Kessel and Viktor Arvidsson as your top two right wingers matches up against anyone in the league.

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks adding Kessel would be outstanding. The American would love to play for the Blackhawks and considering their upgrades this offseason, adding a sniper to the mix could go a long way. It may be tough to make the money work with these two teams but this would be a hell of a story line early on in the season.

Vegas Golden Knights: Did someone say poker? The card-friendly Kessel would love to play for a contending team, with a ton of golf courses in the area, lots of tables and some sunshine. The Golden Knights have held discussions with the Buffalo Sabres about Eichel and a great plan B is adding Kessel. Money is the obstacle, like with many teams, but consider Vegas a heavy favorite in the sniper's sweepstakes.

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