That's how I read the situation as well. There probably are very few team's on Phil's list that will actually trade for him (or at least the Pens will send him to), making it all but a NTC will Phil controls the outcome.

I also didn't read anywhere the Minnesota deal is dead. By considering but leaning no, I interpret it as Phil hoping for a better landing spot but not shutting the door either.

Both teams seem to want this deal, so somebody leaked it, likely in Pittsburgh. So Pens are signalling they want to make a move soon and hopefully get other teams to give better offers now. If they don't get another acceptable one, or if they do and Kessel likes that less, I could still see them circling back to Minnesota.
- Tojo.

Well, from what I read Phil officially said no, but it sounds like efforts may still be in progress to change his mind.

http://www.tsn.ca/1.1310522.1558646536

“Kessel is unsure about joining the Wild”
-Yohe as reported by TSN

http://www.tsn.ca/1.1310522.1558646536

“Kessel is unsure about joining the Wild”
-Yohe as reported by TSN
- WSCTeton17

Breaking news right there by Yohe... GROUNDBREAKING... super high level in depth investigative reporting there.

Freaking poop that even EK could have guessed with his awful rumor mongering.

Breaking news right there by Yohe... GROUNDBREAKING... super high level in depth investigative reporting there.

Freaking poop that even EK could have guessed with his awful rumor mongering.
- Guile

Breaking news... from last week

Breaking news right there by Yohe... GROUNDBREAKING... super high level in depth investigative reporting there.

Freaking poop that even EK could have guessed with his awful rumor mongering.
- Guile

Nah, Yohe actually did break this, which is why it's been speculated the Pens let this leak out.

Nah, Yohe actually did break this, which is why it's been speculated the Pens let this leak out.
- Tojo.

And putting this up today... highly non breaking

And putting this up today... highly non breaking
- Guile

TIOPS, for what it's worth, stated Phil did in-fact reject the trade. They don't really infer that it's still a possibility. Apparently the MIN organization attempted to reach out and speak with him, but he wouldn't take their call and supposedly they were going to have Parise call, but not sure if that happened.

TIOPS, for what it's worth, stated Phil did in-fact reject the trade. They don't really infer that it's still a possibility. Apparently the MIN organization attempted to reach out and speak with him, but he wouldn't take their call and supposedly they were going to have Parise call, but not sure if that happened.
- Rinosaur

Then.... lets just do a Rask for JJ swap

Then.... lets just do a Rask for JJ swap
- Guile

Ok. Let me get one the horn