Phil Kessel Reportedly Nixed Trade to Wild Because He Believes They Won't Contend

Pittsburgh Penguins star winger Phil Kessel was a huge part of the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 2016 and 2017.

The Penguins didn't see the same success this season, and Kessel could be headed towards the exit door during the offseason.

Kessel's name has circulated around trade rumors quite a bit since his team was eliminated from the playoffs, and there was even a trade in place which fell apart mysteriously. Well, now we know what really went down.

It was reported that Kessel halted a potential four-player trade between the Wild and the Pens, because he believes Minnesota will not contend for the Stanley Cup.

The reported trade would have sent Kessel and Jack Johnson to Minnesota, with Jason Zucker and Victor Rask coming back the other way. For the Pens, the move would free up a ton of cap space, which could lead to a minor retool through free agency and see them return as a Stanley Cup contender next season.

As for attempting to trade Kessel, there are only eight teams in the league that Pittsburgh can trade him to without seeking his permission. This no-trade clause short list is presented to the Penguins every year by the 31-year-old's agent. The teams on this list are not publicly known.

The rejection of the trade to Minnesota will surely not stop Penguins GM Jim Rutherford from trying to move Kessel before the NHL Draft, as the team looks to free up cap space and add more players to their roster before the 2019-20 season.

One way or another, the writing is on the wall for Phil the Thrill, and it seems that he will have a new home come next season.