The Pittsburgh Penguins tried to trade Phil Kessel last month to the Minnesota Wild, but after the enigmatic forward wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause the deal fell apart. Now, in conversation with The Athletic’s Josh Yohe (subscription required), Penguins GM Jim Rutherford admits that Kessel will likely play for Pittsburgh next season.
Kessel, 31, has three years remaining on his contract with the Penguins but holds a no-trade clause that limits the teams he can be sent to. In fact, Kessel submits a list of just eight teams he would accept trades to, and given his history in certain markets that likely leaves only a few real options for Rutherford. With such a huge leverage advantage, it’s easy to see why the Penguins GM is resigned to having his star forward remain next year. There was no use in trading him without getting something in return, as even with his ’problem child’ persona—tenuous as that moniker may be.
Kessel is after all an incredible offensive weapon even as he enters his thirties. He recorded 82 points in 82 games last season, and now has 823 for his career through 996 regular season games. That huge total of games played comes from the face that he has now not missed a single game in nine consecutive seasons, consistency that is also valuable to a team looking to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Still, Rutherford has been clear that he intends on shaking things up in Pittsburgh this summer. While he has backed off his earlier comments about Evgeni Malkin potentially not being a core piece any longer—Rutherford tells Yohe that he “knew [Malkin] was going to be part of this team going forward”—there is still real change brewing for the team. Kessel’s nixed trade proves that, but the veteran GM will need to find another way to clear cap space and give his club a different look next season.
Awkward much?
lol. I’m sure this won’t cause any problems in the locker room
HOWEVER, I applaud Phil for using the strength of his contract. If a NTC or limited is written in, than the player certainly has the right to not waive it or to choose their preferred teams. That’s why it’s in there.
Sorry but I disagree. He’s being a real jerk in my book. Hamstringing the pens and now I’m sure he’ll be more of an idiot since they’re stuck with him. I understand the trade protection but he should be a little more cooperative to the team. Guy has a crappy attitude,why else has he consistently worn out his welcome where he’s gone?
so Phil is supposed to waive a clause he negotiated and go somewhere he doesnt want to help a team he would no longer be playing for?
your anger should be directed at the pens FO not Phil.
ThePriceWasRight – no, ThePrice IS Right! GMJR is to blame – when a player, whether it’s Phil-The-Thrill, or anyone else, wants & gets a NTC/NMC, the team can’t then go whining about the player’s negotiated rights getting in the way of the team’s plans. You had to give him that when he signed, because you needed him more than he needed you, now just stick a sock in it. Either try to orchestrate a Win-Win trade or just shut up.
Exactly. Teams will throw guys to the curb who have put their whole careers playing for that same team. Anyone who was given a NMC has every right to either waive it or not without having it held against them.
Mac it’s even worse. The pens traded for Kessel so were clearly aware of the clause. when the Pens were winning the cup they were happy with Phil waiving the clause to go to Pittsburgh but now he’s the bad guy lol
Kessel being a bad guy in the locker room is so completely overblown. All these vague references to him being a bad teammate are baseless. A problem child” persona? Are we talking about Phil Kessel or Antonio Brown?
First thought after reading this…GMJR said this in an effort to change the narrative until the draft. If he’s still on the Pens after the draft I’ll be shocked.
I always thought that Letang should be the guy to move anyways, the pens strength is their big three, don’t take away from that
See if he’d waive to go to Buffalo. (With its proximity to Toronto.) A straight up trade for Sam Reinhart, would give the Pens some cap space. A line of Eichel, Skinner and Kessel would be one of the leagues best.
Chyka must be trying to get him for nothing.