The Penguins are ready to move on from the prolific but polarizing sniper.
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Rumours follow Phil Kessel everywhere he goes, but it appears as though things truly have come to a head in Pittsburgh this season. GM Jim Rutherford has promised to make significant changes to his roster this summer after watching his team bow out in the first round.
It sounds like Phil the Thrill might be where he starts. Reports suggest the Kessel experiment has run out in Pittsburgh; things haven't really been the same since 'Kessel whisperer' assistant coach Rick Tocchet left to become the head coach in Arizona in 2017.
And reports indicate the Coyotes are where he might end up. Kessel seemed prepared for a trade in his locker cleanout interviews. Rumblings suggest he has already given thought to playing in Arizona and would be glad to land there. Things are likely to heat up as we get closer to the draft in June.
In the past, teams like the Panthers and Hurricanes have been linked to Kessel. Carolina in particular is on the lookout for high end offensive help. You have to think Kessel would be happy in either market: decent teams that need a high end scorer, less media presence.
At a $6.8 million cap hit for three more seasons, Kessel is relatively good value for a team looking to win now. Wait, isn't that what the Penguins are trying to do?
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