Could the Penguins get Kessel?

Could the Penguins get Kessel?

There have been some rumours lately that Kessel is open and available for a trade. There is a list of 8 teams that he has been open to be traded to. Those teams are reported by Bob McKenzie to be Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Montreal, New York Rangers, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

There are a range of teams there, mostly teams that you would either expect to qualify for the play-offs, or at least challenge. Only two of those missed out on the play-offs last season, that being Boston and Philadelphia. Toronto is looking to rebuild and they're looking to do it quickly. As McKenzie mentions in his article as well, the list can change and he could be traded outside it.

In terms of Pittsburgh's chances,  I think they have a decent chance. I wouldn't say they would have the best chance to land him. Other teams, specifically Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia are right up against the cap already. So they would have to do some creative trading to free up space. Sharp, Richards and Lecavlier would probably be part of any deal if he went to one of those three.

Pittsburgh don't have as many pieces as others team I feel, especially going forward. Realistically they could offer Sutter, Kunitz, Kapanen and the 2016 1st as part of any deal. I don't see there being much interest in other players (realistically) or Pittsburgh wanting to trade other forwards. Pittsburgh has recently had a lot of young defenceman and one could be included. Someone like Dumoulin. However, JR has expressed a wish to give the young players a chance, so he may wish to hold onto them if he can.

Pittsburgh has the cap space to fit in Kessel if they trade one of Sutter or Kunitz and if Toronto retains some salary. He would play with Crosby without a doubt. I think that personally, Perron has played better with Malkin than Crosby. Crosby needs someone with pure speed and Kessel has a better shot than Perron as well. Kessel has hit 30 goals four times in six seasons with the Leafs. It would be five if not for the shortened season.

I think that Pittsburgh should at least entertain the thought of obtaining Kessel's services. They don't have anything to lose. If they find that the trade value is fair and obtainable then they can proceed. If they believe it is too great then they can move onto other targets. If Pittsburgh did trade for him I reckon it would involve Sutter, Kapanen and/or the 2016 1st. There would no doubt be other pieces involved on either side to balance it out. But that would be hard to call. I would love to see him on the Penguins but I'm going to remain pessimistic at the chances of the Penguins landing him.