Penguins and Wild Reportedly Discussing Phil Kessel Trade
By Michael Luciano
It seems more likely by the day that Phil Kessel's tenure in Pittsburgh is coming to an anti-climactic close. The Penguins have reporteldy begun to shop him around, and according to the latest buzz, the Minnesota Wild have been in discussions over potentially acquiring the disgruntled 31-year-old wing.
Penguins, #mnwild in trade talks surrounding Phil Kessel. @JoshYohe_PGH has confirmed what I reported Tuesday about potential Jason Zucker-Victor Rask for Kessel-Jack Johnson swap. Lots of details in this story + other possible landing spots for Zuckerhttps://t.co/TOM2dZhbQk
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 23, 2019
Kessel is good friends with Minnesota defenseman Ryan Suter going back to their time together with Team USA. That relationship is not to be underestimated as this process plays itself out.
The Wild are in need of some offensive firepower, as they ranked just 27th in the NHL in goals per game. Kessel, who piled up 27 goals and 55 assists last season, would certainly give Bruce Boudreau's squad some added scoring punch and creativity.
Report: Penguins might be close to sending Phil Kessel to Minnesota in deal that could include Jason Zucker, and the end of Jack Johnson’s days in Pittsburgh. But is it smart? https://t.co/YE9t1QaHGN
— PensBurgh (@Pensburgh) May 23, 2019
The Wild finished at the bottom of the Central Division this season with just 83 points, in large part due to their lack of the kind of a guy who could take scoring pressure off Zach Parise and Eric Staal. Kessel could be that type of talent, so Minnesota should leave no stone unturned in pursuit of an acceptable deal.