Source: Penguins have been presented with ‘intriguing’ trade options ahead of draft

— The Pittsburgh Penguins have been presented with more than one trade option surrounding winger Phil Kessel that the team is mulling, ahead of this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft, sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports.

The Penguins continue to be wide open on Kessel, not committed to keeping him or trading him.

The goal for the Penguins in exploring Kessel’s trade market over the last month has been seeking options to add a different kind of player, notably a stronger 200 ft type player or multiple NHL pieces.

Trade talks have progressed with at least two teams where those type of scenarios are on the table that Pittsburgh could decide to move on, sources say.

Pittsburgh is also said to not be dead-set on getting a forward or forwards in return for Kessel. Pittsburgh has also explored at least one trade scenario in moving Kessel for a defenseman.

The Los Angeles Kings are believed to still be in the running for Kessel, while Pittsburgh and To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

The Penguins organization is very high on forward CTo read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— While a Kessel trade is regarded as 50-50 this week, there is a bit of mystery surrounding Derick Brassard.

The Penguins message to other clubs has been that they planned to keep Brassard who the team still see’s as great value with a $3 million cap hit and Penguin coaches have also been open to playing Brassard on wing too next season if the Penguins did something surprising at center.

That said, there is a lot of interest in Brassard, particularly because the cap hit is so low.

The sense also seems to be with Brassard that Pittsburgh has been presented with at least one To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— Jim Rutherford has been on the hunt for a right handed defenseman in trade talks. To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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