NHL: Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs

Phil Kessel (81) scored 61 points (25 goals, 36 assists) in 82 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. He was minus-34 with four game-winning goals and eight on the power play. (Tom Szczerbowski | USA TODAY Sports)

NEWARK — Suggestions that the Devils will trade the sixth overall pick in June's NHL entry draft to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Phil Kessel is pure speculation.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello told NJ Advance Media that he hasn't been approached with any trade proposal that would convince him to give up the club's first-round pick.

"You never say never to anything. But it's unlikely, unless there is something you can't refuse," Lamoriello said. "You never say no because somebody could come up with something you can't say no to, or you have a situation like we had a couple of years ago (with the availability of goalie Cory Schneider).

"Something like that just presents itself. Is there anything imminent? Absolutely not. Trading the pick is unlikely."

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Lou Lamoriello and the Devils' future

Lamoriello said the Devils are focusing on using the pick to get a forward who can help the team with scoring.

"Our scouts feel this is one of the better drafts and there is no question we should get a very, very good player," he said.

"Right now our focus is on where we are picking. As far as thinking anything else, you're just distracting yourself. Right now that's our pick and that's the focus."

The Devils traded the ninth overall pick in the 2013 entry draft to the Vancouver Canucks to acquire Schneider, but that was to get what Lamoriello felt was a franchise goaltender.

Kessel, who'll be 28 on Oct. 2, scored 61 points (25 goals, 36 assists) in 82 games for the Maple Leafs this season. Four of those goals were game-winners and eight came on the power play. He was minus-34.

Kessel's contract could scare the Devils. He has four seasons remaining at $10 million, $9 million, $9 million and $7 million. His cap hit is $8 million.

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.