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The NHL rumor mill is heating up in advance of this Wednesday's trade deadline, and it certainly seems as if Vancouver Canucks centerman Ryan Kesler is at the epicenter of all of the rumblings.

According to a report from TribLive.com reporter Rob Rossi, the Pittsburgh Penguins "pitched" the Vancouver Canucks on a potential Kesler deal before the Olympic break. Apparently that deal centered around a package that would've included 25-year-old checking center Brandon Sutter, and 20-year-old prospect Derrick Pouliot.

#pens did pitch #Canucks on Kessler before Olympics. Hearing Sutter, Pouliot part of those talks. That was before Letang situation. — Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) February 28, 2014

Presumably Kris Letang's recent health issues could make the Penguins more reluctant to part with a high-end blue-line prospect with Pouliot's pedigree...

Rossi's reported Penguins "pitch" lines up closely with what Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos suggested is Vancouver's current "ask" on Kesler. Supposedly the Canucks are looking for a young roster player, a prospect, and a first round pick in exchange for their former Selke winning forward.