NHL Rumors: Interesting Team Linked to Phil Kessel Trade

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, one team that's been linked to acquire Phil Kessel from the Arizona Coyotes - the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Kessel is a polarizing figure who is one of the most reliable players in NHL history. He's had a down year in the desert this season as he's only recorded a career-low six goals and 33 assists in 50 games. Regardless, he's a proven winner who has 81 points in 96 postseason games. The Penguins know him very well as he spent four seasons in Pittsburgh and won two Stanley Cups.

I love Phil, but this is a hard no for two reasons.

1. This would address absolutely none of our problems. And it would create new problems.

2. I don’t have the bandwidth for Big Jeff Carter AND Phil Kessel memes. And I don’t have the budget to get employees. pic.twitter.com/Ly8MEAICno
— Penguins Jesus (@PenguinsJesus) February 22, 2022

The Penguins are believed to be looking for an upgrade on their third-line as Kasperi Kapanen has been struggling these past few weeks and with a number of pending free agents, has found himself on the trade block. Pittsburgh has defenseman Kris Letang, forwards Bryan Rust, Evan Rodrigues and Evgeni Malkin all as unrestricted free agents next summer.

As for Kessel, if it's not the Penguins, expect the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators to be inquiring about his price tag. The trade deadline is March 21 and Arizona will be moving on from their veteran sniper some time before the 11th hour.