Latest on Phil Kessel

11 days out from the NHL Entry Draft, the market for Penguins winger Phil Kessel is seeing a slight uptick in potential interest where rival executives see Kessel being moved this month as To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

The list of teams that haven’t ruled Kessel out is said to have grown from 2-3 teams a couple weeks ago to now To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

The market is flooded with wingers, highlighted by Carolina’s Jeff Skinner, Montreal’s Max Pacioretty.

Then there’s JVR in Toronto who could command 6-7 years at $6.5-$7 million per and Ilya Kovalchuk who has already scheduled meetings with six clubs over the next 10-14 days, is seeking a 3 year, $18 million contract.

An asking price for Skinner has been established at a first round pick and young NHL prospect.

The price for Pacioretty continues to be steep with the Canadiens coveting a young centerman but both players are strongly expected to move.

Three teams considering Skinner — Los Angeles, Florida, Buffalo — are also said to be a giving [hide] Kessel a thought.

One advantage the Penguins have with Kessel on the market is cost certainty where Kessel has 4 years left on his deal with a $6.8 million cap hit, though, he is owed just over $21 million in actual cash from the Penguins.

Clubs also believe Pittsburgh is motivated to retain a small percentage of money in the right deal.

A big point of discussion for clubs in regards to Kessel is about bringing him in the room, where the sense continues to be that Kessel needs a veteran group around him like in Pittsburgh that doesn’t have a problem (players) with the way he practices and critical things off the ice that are not considered the best example to lead for young players.

That’s why Los Angeles continues to lurk as a possible trade partner because of the veteran room they have.

The Kings are also one of 8 teams on Kessel’s approved trade list. Something to keep in mind as is Chicago, Nashville, a league source says. [/hide]

Penguins, Coyotes have talked multiple trade scenarios

League buzz is that if Max Domi is not a To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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