We are fast approaching the March 21st trade deadline which could see Phil the thrill leave Arizona. Bill Armstrong the GM of the Coyotes is going to have a busy trade deadline as he looks to move Kessel, defenceman Jakob Chychrun and a few more roster players.
Kessel is an elite talent in the NHL, currently sitting with 937 points in 1172 career NHL games. He is a back-to-back Stanley cup champion, and has put up 80+ points on multiple occasions.
Before heading to the Arizona Coyotes, Kessel produced 82 points in 82 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. While he did not have the best first season in Arizona, he has rebounded nicely these past 2 seasons for a team that has a hard time scoring. Last season he managed 20 goals in 53 games and this season he is currently at 6 goals, 33 points in 50 games.
Kessel is on the final year of a deal that pays him $6,800,000, which the Coyotes easily have the space to retain some salary for a larger return. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild are all interested in the services of Phil Kessel.
