With so many trades happening at the NHL draft every year, and the Pittsburgh Penguins stated desire to add a skilled winger for their team, it was surprising the draft came and went without any movement for Pittsburgh.

It doesn't sound like the lack of a trade was because of not making an effort, though. Rumors swirled and Elliotte Friedman summed it up on his latest 30 thoughts.

17. I’m a huge Michael Jordan fan. One of my favourite quotes of his is: "My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength." Was reminded of that the other day thinking about Jim Rutherford. One of the reasons the Penguins are linked to Jiri Hudler, Phil Kessel, TJ Oshie, Sharp and Jeff Skinner (among others) is the GM’s listening on all of them, waiting for the best deal. Everyone thinks the Penguins are desperate in their search for wingers, he sees it as the other teams are desperate to move them. It’s a gigantic game of chicken, and there aren’t many teams as willing to take some of those players. It’s an important way to think. 18. No one will comment on how close it was (or still may be), but Kessel to Pittsburgh had serious traction. Toronto was willing to ease the Penguins’ contract burden. But there was no consensus on the reward.

The last note is pretty pertinent, if true. Any Kessel to Pittsburgh trade logistically will have to include salary relief for the Penguins. One would think at least 2 of Nick Spaling ($2.2 million hit, 1 year remaining), Rob Scuderi ($3.375 million for 2 years), Chris Kunitz ($3.85 million for 2 years) and Brandon Sutter ($3.3 million for 1 year).

From there, Toronto will need more valuable pieces for Kessel. It's widely believed that includes one of Olli Maatta or Derrick Pouliot, with it believed that Maatta is viewed as more untouchable than Pouliot.

From there, what else? Would the Penguins have to surrender their 2016 first round pick? Or a top prospect like Kasperi Kapanen (who was their 2014 first rounder)?

That's a lot of moving parts for a deal that doesn't even begin to address whether or not it's a good idea to ship out what Toronto would view as an acceptable trade. Pittsburgh doesn't have very many good, young players and team depth would be lessened as well.

Here's a HockeysCap I fooled around with. Don't get married to any of the names of the new guys, just look at it as a function of how much could be signed for each spot.

I assumed Kessel was acquired for Sutter, Spaling, Pouliot and a 1st round pick. I bought out Rob Scuderi, but if you prefer you can just think of that as traded for a pick/prospect and the Pens retaining $1.2 million on the cap.

If the Penguins make that move, from above they could keep $1.3 million under the salary cap (important to have space!) with the following spots to be filled:

Re-sign RFAs: Ian Cole @ $1.75 million, Beau Bennett and Brian Dumoulin at $950,000. Also making the expected Sergei Plotnikov signing at a $925,000 cap hit (max entry level deal).

A total of $3.5 million to sign 1 3rd line winger and 1 3rd line center.

Sign a veteran defenseman for $1.25 million. This is the biggest jump in finding a decent fit, being as good defensemen aren't signed for so little. However, storing cap space means the team could upgrade at the trading deadline, if needed.

Signing Taylor Chorney for $650,000 to be the #7. Rely on Oskar Sundqvist and Scott Wilson to fill out the 4th line on cheap deals. This could always be Bryan Rust switching in as needed.



There's no doubt that the Penguins would have depth issues if they add an $8.0 million player in Phil Kessel. However, it would create some great opportunities as well- because it would basically give the Penguins two 1st lines, with Evgeni Malkin getting to skate with what was the wingers of the first line last season.

If the Penguins have a good plan to remove expensive depth pieces, they could make it work. That said, it would put a lot of pressure on what already looks like an undermanned and inexperienced defensive unit.

The biggest impediment to landing Kessel is probably getting Toronto to agree that Pouliot and whatever else is a good value for Kessel. That hasn't happened yet, but it's also been rumored that the Penguins are the only team seriously gunning for Kessel. If it's a one-horse race that's a positive development, the Pens won't have to out-bid anyone, and if Toronto is hell-bent on getting rid of Phil the Thrill, it's probably a matter of time until a deal is reached this summer.