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PITT targeting Phil Kessel as one of 4 or 5 scoring forwards that interest them. Everybody wants young Penguin D.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) June 25, 2015
Perhaps a return of top prospect Kasperi Kapanen (who mysteriously fell in last year's draft) and one of Derrick Pouliot or Olli Maatta, plus taking on the salary of Rob Scuderi and a forward (Kunitz or Dupuis perhaps?), could make this palatable for both sides. Getting Pouliot or Maatta would get the Leafs another LHD that would also allow them to move Jake Gardiner if they so choose. That said, Toronto’s demands are apparently ridiculous. So maybe Pittsburgh has to add a 2016 1st, or their 2015 2nd rounder if Toronto likes what they can get at 46th overall.
In the end, it’s hard to imagine how a Kessel deal with Pittsburgh would work, as it seems like the Penguins would be one of the more difficult teams to navigate a deal with. But after Rutherford’s Despres for Lovejoy fiasco, maybe the Leafs can steal a bigger return than we think.
I feel like the Kessel situation is very simple: If someone offers a great package, make the trade. If not, keep him.
— Draglikepull (@draglikepull) June 25, 2015
#NHLJets pending UFA Michael Frolik has a half dozen face-to-face mtgs today with other teams. Also ongoing communication with Wpg. #bn
— Ed Tait (@WFPEdTait) June 25, 2015