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Entries with the tag: Phil+Kessel
Hit Of The Night- Ohlund On Kessel
by Paul on 11/04/09 at 07:27 AM ET
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Filed in: NHL Teams, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Mattias+Ohlund, Phil+Kessel,
Kessel Proves His Worth
by Paul on 11/04/09 at 07:06 AM ET
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from Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun,
Now that the all the hype and hoopla are over, here are 10 things we learned about Phil Kessel last night from his Maple Leafs debut—one for every shot he had on net.
1. In recent weeks there have been suggestions that the deal to bring Kessel to the Maple Leafs for two first-rounders and a second-round pick might be one of the worst in franchise history.
After Phil The Thrill’s electrifying performance last night, can we put a temporary gag order on such talk please? It is far too early to make such claims. And, after watching Kessel oozing his raw offensive skills last night, you can see why general manager Brian Burke paid such a heavy price to land this talented kid, who has yet to reach his 23rd birthday.
If the Leafs finish dead last and the Boston Bruins get the top overall selection in a deep 2010 draft, the criticism will be legit. But let’s at least give Kessel a chance to prove he’s worthy of Burke’s risky gamble.
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
No Reason To Rush Kessel
by Paul on 11/01/09 at 01:12 PM ET
Comments (1)
from Jonas Siegel of am640,
Phil Kessel is taunting the possibility.
He taunts it with a no-look pass.
He taunts it with a bullet from the left circle.
He taunts it with his bursts of speed.
But make no mistake that for all the taunting possibilities, the Leafs would be simply foolish to rush Kessel back this soon.
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Can Kessel Get Along With His Coach?
by Paul on 09/21/09 at 09:13 AM ET
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from Damian Cox of the Spin at the Toronto Star,
Kessel, says Chiarelli, demanded a trade and wouldn’t negotiate a contract, so that was that. Indications are that was indeed the situation, and Kessel’s statement that he “never once” demanded a trade was really just semantics. Whether his agent made the demand or whether his unwillingness to talk contract was a passive aggressive strategy, it really doesn’t matter now.
Clearly, Julien’s coaching style was part of the issue, and so the most fascinating part of Kessel’s career as a Leaf when it begins in two months or so will be how he and Ron Wilson are able to forge a working relationship. Wilson’s a demanding coach, and he can be caustic and pointed in his public and private remarks when he feels it is warranted. San Jose officials make no bones about the fact they believe Wilson’s riding of Patrick Marleau retarded Marleau’s development.
Understand this. While Wilson and Burke are friends from years back, Burke now has more personal prestige invested in Kessel being successful than in Wilson, a coach Burke didn’t hire. The Leaf GM will hope Wilson and Kessel get along very well, but it’s a great deal more difficult to find top six forwards than head coaches.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs | KK Hockey | Permalink
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Brian Burke Introduces Phil Kessel To Toronto
by Paul on 09/19/09 at 07:40 PM ET
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Kessel Trade Has Risks
by Paul on 09/19/09 at 07:38 AM ET
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from Damian Cox of the Toronto Star,
The Kessel trade, of course, fits with Burke’s make-a-big-splash-early history. He moved heaven and earth to land Chris Pronger for Hartford. He bagged the Sedin twins for Vancouver. Now he’s arm-twisted the unwilling Bruins into trading Kessel.
Of course there is risk for the Leafs, but arguably greater risk for Boston, which acquired Kessel through the draft just three years ago as a franchise-type player and may be unable to turn their newly acquired first-round picks into NHL talent.
The Leafs haven’t lost anything tangible yet. The Bruins have.
from Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports,
The Bruins, understanding his strengths and weaknesses, protected him. He instantly becomes the most skilled player on the roster, but the highest-paid one too. In Toronto, that comes with a target.
I’m not convinced that the enormously shy Kessel will be comfortable in the spotlight. A white-hot hockey market is not the best fit for him.
Will he discover the work ethic necessary to become a truly great player? And, can the Leafs find a centre who was as good for him as Marc Savard?
Filed in: NHL Teams, Toronto Maple Leafs | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Report- Bruins/Leafs Working Out Trade For Kessel
by Paul on 09/18/09 at 05:55 PM ET
Comments (13)
added 8:43pm, Since Darren Dreger broke the news, let’s go to his story…
The drama surrounding Phil Kessel has finally come to an end as the Boston Bruins have traded their disgruntled sniper to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 1st and a 2nd round pick in 2010, and a 1st round pick in 2011 pending a trade call which is currently underway.
Kessel and the Maple Leafs then quickly agreed to terms on a new five-year, $27 million deal.
continued and below you can check how this story broke early this evening…
added 10:!6pm,
Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Friday evening that the team has obtained the rights to restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel from the Boston Bruins. In exchange, Boston will receive the Maple Leafs’ first-round draft picks in 2010 and 2011 and their second-round draft pick in 2010. Kessel and the Maple Leafs agreed to terms on a multi-year contract following the trade
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The Chances Of Kessel To Nashville Are Slim
by Paul on 09/18/09 at 08:23 AM ET
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from Bob McKenzie of TSN,
I don’t doubt the Nashville Predators have significant interest in Boston Bruins’ restricted free agent Phil Kessel.
And I don’t doubt, all things being equal, Boston would rather move Kessel to Nashville and the Western Conference than to the division rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
But here’s why Nashville, regardless of what it offers Boston, is at a serious disadvantage in the Kessel sweepstakes.
Kessel, it appears, wants to play in Toronto, not Nashville. And as long as that remains the case, Nashville can’t trade for him.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Would Kessel Be Comfortable In Toronto?
by Paul on 09/17/09 at 07:38 AM ET
Comments (3)
from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,
Some won’t believe he’ll ever be comfortable in his own skin, which by itself raises the issue of how will he handle the boondoggle that is Toronto hockey. You can’t hide in Toronto. Some players love that. Some get eaten up by it.
When I spoke to Kessel at the USA Olympic camp, he did seem more grown up. He did make eye contact. He didn’t look at his shoes the way he had in previous conversations.
He will be traded before his Oct. 2 birthday because the Bruins must be under the salary cap by the start of the season. They may even do better in a trade than they would have had someone signed an offer sheet for Kessel.
Kessel will be paid somewhere above $4.5 million US a year, which would entitle the Bruins to a first-, second- and third-round draft pick. The Leafs will pay that much for him, probably more.
added 9:13am, via John Glennon of the Tennessean,
The Predators have offered a combination of draft picks and prospects to Boston for forward Phil Kessel, General Manager David Poile said Wednesday.
“I certainly believe in being aggressive and persistent and going after what I want. But I’ve made it clear what we can do,’’ Poile said. “It’s fairly apparent what other teams are doing.’’
There have been reports saying Toronto is willing to give up two first-round draft picks and a second-rounder for Kessel.
“If (Chiarelli) gets two firsts and a second, he’s getting really good compensation,’’ Poile said. “But it is all in the eye of the beholder for a 21-year-old player who scored 36 goals.’’
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs | KK Hockey | Permalink
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The Latest On Kessel
by Paul on 09/16/09 at 08:56 AM ET
Comments (8)
from Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports,
It’s been reported that Toronto is offering two first-round picks and a third-rounder for Kessel.
One source said that offer is now the two first-rounders, a second-rounder and a player – although Burke denied that by e-mail Tuesday night.
As for the player, I can’t get confirmation, so I’m not going to guess.
At least one other team isn’t giving up hope.
It’s been a four days since Nashville’s David Poile admitted his interest. Since then, he hasn’t spoken to his Boston counterpart.
“Nothing is happening ... I don’t know where it stands,” the Predators GM said Tuesday afternoon.
“But we’re interested. Who wouldn’t be?”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Kessel In Control
by Paul on 09/14/09 at 10:24 AM ET
Comments (5)
from Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe,
For the moment, and possibly well on into November, Kessel holds the cards as a restricted free agent. If Chiarelli were to make a deal with, say, the Predators, Nashville GM David Poile would only give up assets if he is assured Kessel will sign in Tune Town. Likewise, the Leafs won’t flip picks and/or players Boston’s way unless Chiarelli already has inked Kessel to a sign-and-trade.
All signs point to Kessel preferring the Leafs over the Predators, which, if nothing else, proves he did learn something during his year at the University of Minnesota. Decent team, the Preds, but there is only one Toronto (unless Jim Balsillie succeeds in divvying up the hockey mecca).
The dynamic of the Kessel proceedings will shift as late November approaches because Kessel, per the collective bargaining agreement, cannot play in the NHL this season unless he has signed a deal by Dec. 1.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Predators Admit Interest In Kessel
by Paul on 09/12/09 at 10:07 AM ET
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from John Glennon of the Tennessean,
So it would only make sense that Nashville would have an interest in Boston forward Phil Kessel.
Predators General Manager David Poile confirmed as much on Friday, saying he’s talked with Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and Kessel’s agent, Wade Arnott, in recent days.
“He’s a young player that scores goals,’’ Poile said, “and that’s very much of interest to us.’’
added 1:12pm, via Darren Dreger’s Twitter,
Two horse race for Heatley. San Jose and Chicago.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Predators Should Target Kessel
by Paul on 09/11/09 at 09:44 PM ET
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from Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated,
It’s time to bust the budget for Phil Kessel....
No one’s saying that Kessel is all that separates the Preds from a lengthy playoff run. Far from it. At 21, he remains a work in progress, both on and off the ice. He’s far too predictable when carrying the puck, and far too soft away from it. He requires the kid glove treatment from his coach and a centerman capable of creating his play for him. Bottom line: he’s still got a lot to learn.
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Kessel Draws Interest From Multiple NHL Teams
by Paul on 09/11/09 at 04:36 PM ET
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from Darren Dreger of TSN,
While the option of signing Kessel to an offer sheet remains for the Leafs and the other teams in the mix, the morely likely scenario is a trade.
Sources say the trade offers for the 21-year-old winger are in excess of what the Bruins would receive as compensation if Kessel were to sign an offer sheet. In other words, Boston is contemplating a trade that will return a more impressive package than the compensatory one that includes a first, a second and third-round draft picks.
The Leafs, New York Rangers and the Nashville Predators are the three most aggressive bidders, but at least two other teams are also believed to be in the hunt.
At this point there is nothing imminent, but Kessel’s future is a hot topic in Boston.
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
How Kessel To Leafs Could Work
by Paul on 09/11/09 at 07:55 AM ET
Comments (4)
from Damian Cox of the Toronto Star,
It’s believed he wants to join the Leafs and he’s already familiar with Burke and head coach Ron Wilson through his association with the U.S. Olympic program.
But the fact he doesn’t want to play for the Bruins doesn’t necessarily make it any easier for the Leafs to get their mitts on him.
For starters, the B’s can match any free agent offer sheet for Kessel, something Chiarelli has said he would do. The Bruins’ GM is apparently no longer crazy about dealing Kessel inside the Northeast Division, and Kaberle can no longer be included in any trade proposal now that his no-trade clause has kicked in again.
Burke and Chiarelli have held trade talks and it’s believed the Leafs are willing to pay more for Kessel than the compensation required if he were signed to an offer sheet. If a contract offer came between $3.9 million and $5.2 million per season, the Bruins would receive first-, second- and third-round draft picks as compensation.
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Kessel Denies Negotaions Have Broken Off
by Paul on 09/10/09 at 07:19 PM ET
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from Mike Brophy of Sportsnet,
Phil Kessel says he does not expect to play this season with the Boston Bruins, but he has not broken off negotiations with the team.
“I don’t know who is saying that, but it’s not true,” Kessel told Sportsnet.
The Boston Globe reported the free agent planned to sign an offer sheet with one of the other 29 teams, according to Kessel’s Toronto-based agent Wade Arnott.
He admitted negotiations and trade rumours have been unpleasant and the odds of playing for the Bruins are slim at this point. But that doesn’t mean the door is closed.
a bit more and can we please start the season!!!
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Kessel Takes A Stance
by Paul on 09/10/09 at 01:47 PM ET
Comments (1)
from Kevin Paul Dupont of Bruins Blog,
Phil Kessel has made it clear that he doesn’t intend to negotiate any longer with the Bruins, his Toronto-based agent in recent days informing the Boston front office that the right winger’s priority instead is to sign a free-agent offer sheet with one of the league’s 29 other teams.
All of which doesn’t necessarily mean that Kessel’s days in the Hub are numbered.
The Bruins, per CBA rules and guidelines, still reserve the right to match any offer sheet Kessel signs, and if they choose to match they are only prohibited from trading Kessel for the first year of his new deal.
‘’No comment,’’ Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli responded via e-mail early this afternoon when asked about Kessel’s latest stance on negotiations.
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Burke & The Kessel Talk
by Paul on 09/09/09 at 03:50 PM ET
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from Mark Spector of Sportsnet,
We’ll say this: if the NHLPA pulls its collective head out of its butt before this deal sneaks past, they should be making some phone calls. Considering Burke’s complaints that Lowe overpaid for Penner, thus raising the salary bar for those of his ilk, then the PA should be eager to know if any discussions between GMs involves establishing a perhaps more cost-effective level for Kessel.
In fact, we’re e-mailing this column straight to our choice as the next union leader, Bonnie Lindros.
Burke is one of the most competitive men we’ve ever met. He sweats while watching a rugby game on TV — we’ve seen it.
But does warning a fellow GM that you intend to legally acquire one of his players have any place in the same sentence with the word “competitiveness?”
In this case, might the words “honourable” and “collusion” amount to the same thing?
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Who Would You Want On Your Team- Heatley Or Kessel?
by Paul on 09/09/09 at 11:52 AM ET
Comments (6)
from Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News,
Two snipers, one question: Dany Heatley or Phil Kessel?
Who would you take?
With NHL training camps inching closer by the day, there are, by my math, roughly 90-plus goals worth of uncertainty still floating around out there in the unhappy Senator and unsigned RFA Bruin.
Will one or both be wearing new uniforms when the season starts? Probably not. It seems more certain with each day that Heatley will begin the year in Ottawa and, despite some draft pick shuffling in Toronto, Kessel remains a valued commodity in Boston.
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Tags: Dany+Heatley, Phil+Kessel,
Burke Talks Kessel
by Paul on 09/08/09 at 02:27 PM ET
Comments (6)
from TSN,
An animated Brian Burke discussed the rumours with reporters Tuesday at the team’s training facilities in Toronto.
“I do not contemplate an offer sheet to Phil Kessel at this time,” Burke told reporters.
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Chiarelli Says Teams Interested In Kessel
by Paul on 09/08/09 at 06:44 AM ET
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from Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe,
“Nothing has really changed,’’ Chiarelli said, noting that at least three clubs have contacted him in recent weeks to try to trade for Kessel, who last season scored 36 goals. “I’d like to have him in the mix, but obviously he’s not . . . and obviously teams are interested.’’
Some four months after his club lost to Carolina in the second round of the playoffs, and with Kessel still unsigned, Chiarelli said he finds himself at what he referred to as a “philosophical impasse’’ in regards to signing his third-year right wing.
“While you like to bring along players of skill and youth and keep them in your organization, I also have to be cognizant of other dynamics,’’ said Chiarelli.
Such as a payroll already at about $55 million. Such as a roster that on July 1 will have top scorer Marc Savard reaching unrestricted free agency and young standouts Milan Lucic and Blake Wheeler reaching the same restricted free agency plateau where Kessel now stands.
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Nothing New On Kessel… Yet
by Paul on 09/06/09 at 09:16 PM ET
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from Kevin Paul Dupont of Bruins Blog at the Boston Globe,
KITCHNER, Ont.—Toronto GM Brian Burke and Boston GM Peter Chiarelli, both of whom will be in attendance here at rookie camp on Monday, reported no developments on the Phil Kessel front.
Burke made a deal on Saturday to reacquire a second-round draft pick, triggering alarms that he might be readying an offer sheet for Kessel, a restricted free agent.
‘’Nothing...yet,’’ Chiarelli wrote via email when asked if there were any news pertaining to the 21-year-old Kessel.
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Teams Interested In Kessel
by Paul on 09/03/09 at 07:59 AM ET
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from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,
“More than one team is very interested,’’ said the source.
General manager Peter Chiarelli didn’t offer any insight on a possible trade.
“I don’t comment on contract negotiations,’’ said Chiarelli. “But we really would like to get Phil in the mix. You don’t come across players like this very often. It’s hard to come by players with this skill. We believe there’s still a lot of growth to his game.’’
Wade Arnott, Kessel’s agent, declined to comment on a possible destination for the 36-goal scorer. Arnott, however, confirmed a virtual nonexistence of negotiations with the Bruins. Arnott said the Bruins made only one contract offer, which was quickly rejected, prior to the draft.
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Is Kessel Headed To San Jose?
by Paul on 08/28/09 at 04:08 PM ET
Comments (7)
from Joe Haggerty of Big Bad Blog at WEEI,
So the Sharks freed up $4.667 in salary cap space while heading into the last few weeks of the off-season, and require at least two more forward spots to round up their NHL roster among the top 12-forwards for next season. It doesn’t take a noted puckologist to assume that Dany Heatley and Phil Kessel are two of the best skill forwards still hanging out there in hockey limbo, and the Sharks have been rumored to be in the Kessel run at several different points over the last few months.
“This trade speaks to the confidence we have in the young players coming up through our system who have earned the right to compete for a spot on this team,” said Sharks GM Ron (Doug) Wilson in discussing the deal. “It also creates some flexibility in our team payroll for potential future transactions as the season progresses and adds two more talented players to our reserve list that can help this organization in the future.”
The $4.667 million in payroll flexibility also fits in roughly with what Kessel was expected to be looking for in a multi-year deal this summer while rehabbing right shoulder surgery.
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All Kessel Can Do Is Wait
by Paul on 08/18/09 at 07:06 AM ET
Comments (2)
from Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe,
For now, after logging three NHL seasons, Kessel is waiting to see where his career path leads, along with his pay scale. He remains an unsigned restricted free agent, the sole Boston regular still not to have a deal in place with the season opener (Oct. 1) only six weeks on the horizon.
Kessel, noting the possibility that his next NHL game may not be with the Black and Gold, said he fully expects to have a new contract in place before the start of the season. And although he categorized his negotiations with Boston at a “stalemate,’’ he also said he was not disappointed by the talks between his agent, Wade Arnott, and Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli.
“Because, obviously, it is a business, too, for [the Bruins],’’ he said. “It’s kind of like we are at a standstill and I don’t now what is going to happen, to tell you the truth. I think it can go either way at this point.’’
Asked how he would like to see it resolved, he said, “Obviously, you would like to stay, but you don’t know if it is going to work out in the end. My only thing is, you want it to go sooner [rather] than later . . . you know, if you are not going to be there, [or] if you are . . . it is easier on you [to know] where I am and where to go.’’
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
Escrow & Kessel Talk
by Paul on 08/09/09 at 07:14 AM ET
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from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,
• Revenues for 2008-09 have yet to be finalized. But based on current projections, players will earn only 85-87 percent of their contracts because of escrow. For example, Alex Ovechkin, due $9 million in 2008-09, would take home $7.65 million in pre-tax earnings. For 2009-10, escrow could become even more significant to make up for any revenue shortfalls. The 2009-10 figure hasn’t been set yet, but some agents are informing their clients that 20 percent of their salaries could be tucked away via escrow. “You always err on the side of caution,’’ said Andrew Ference, the Bruins’ player representative....
• For those fretting about Phil Kessel remaining unsigned, remember that there is no rush for either side to put pen to paper. The 21-year-old forward might not be ready to play until December because of rehabilitation following shoulder surgery. Kessel can continue his rehab and see if the Bruins sputter at the start, which could put pressure on the club to lock him up....
more hockey notes, most Bruins related…
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Nothing New On Kessel
by Paul on 07/31/09 at 09:46 AM ET
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from James Murphy of NESN,
I spoke to Phil Kessel’s agent, Wade Arnott, on the ride up Thursday night and got the latest on Kessel and his contract negotiations with the Bruins.
“Nothing really new to update,” Arnott said. “I wish I had some new news for you, but there’s really nothing major to report.”…
nterestingly, unlike many, Arnott said that he and Kessel did not initially believe the Aaron Ward trade was made as a precursor to re-signing Kessel.
“No not at all,” Arnott said.
So that is where the two parties stand. There were no reports of offer sheets, and while there have been recent rumors of the Islanders and Sharks inquiring about a Kessel trade and the Islanders possibly looking at Marco Sturm, follow-ups have turned up nothing substantial.
As of now, it appears both sides would like to make this work, but the chance is still very real that this might trickle into camp.
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Options For Kessel
by Paul on 07/19/09 at 09:42 AM ET
Comments (4)
from Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, So, with about eight weeks to go before the start of training camp, here’s how it’s shaping up for the 21-year-old winger, who potted 36 goals last season. Kessel can:
►Cut a one-year deal, accepting only a slight bump over his 2008-09 wages, and use it as a bridge to arbitration as of next July 1. If he popped in another 36 goals or more in 2009-10, he could ring up the Causeway cash drawer for $5 million per year or more next summer. Remember, the players who scored more than Kessel last year will average $6.5 million in the coming season.
►Take something akin to David Krejci money (three years/$11.25 million), forget about finances for 36 months, and come to the table in the spring of 2012, ideally with a more mature and proven overall game.
►Force his way out of town, either by requesting a trade or refusing to sign, leading Chiarelli to deal away a non-performing asset (probably at the post-Olympic trading deadline).
read on plus numerous hockey topics…
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What To Do With Kessel
by Paul on 06/27/09 at 08:44 AM ET
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from Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe,
Kessel remains Boston property, subject to his restricted free agent rights, and nothing that Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said yesterday made it sound as if Kessel’s situation is going to change soon.
“I think you’ll see us progress over the summer at a slower pace,’’ said Chiarelli, taking an afternoon break from his team meetings just up the street from the Bell Centre, where tonight’s draft will be held.
Slower, in terms of Kessel, could mean more dangerous, too, because next Wednesday, when leaguewide free agency kicks off, any of the other 29 teams can sign Kessel to an offer sheet. The Bruins then would have their choice of matching the offer or letting Kessel go for draft picks (level of compensation to be determined by his new salary).
For the record, Chiarelli has said he will match any offer to Kessel, and he might - to a point.
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NHL Conference Call with Phil Kessel
by Alanah McGinley on 12/15/08 at 05:16 PM ET
Comments (2)
Today’s guest on the NHL’s conference call was Boston Bruins right wing Phil Kessel, who answered questions from numerous members of the hockey media.
Earlier today Phil was named NHL ‘First Star’ for the week that ended yesterday after leading the National Hockey League in scoring with three goals and five assists for eight points. The Bruins won three of four games for the week. Phil has the NHL’s longest active point streak, which is currently at 15 games, and the longest streak for a Bruin since Adam Oates had a 20-game streak in January and February of 1997. The Madison, Wisconsin native ranks second on the Bruins in scoring with 31 points and his 19 goals are third in the League behind Thomas Vanek of Buffalo, who has 24, and Jeff Carter of Philadelphia with 21.
Q & A
Q. Are you still playing mostly with Marc Savard at center and Milan Lucic on the left wing?
PHIL KESSEL: Yeah, that’s who I’m playing with right now. I enjoy playing with both those guys. They’re both great hockey players.
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Tags: media, phil+kessel,
Bruins Need To Sign Kessel
by Paul on 10/21/08 at 07:43 AM ET
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from Mike McMahon of the Eagle-Tribune,
Through the first five games of the regular season, Kessel has once again been the B’s best goal scorer, netting five to lead the team. In fact, he’s already over a quarter of the way to last season’s total of 19....
Kessel has silenced the trade rumors. Now, when he hears his named mentioned in rumors, it should be about a contract extension for the impending restricted free agent. If this is the type of player Kessel is going to be, then the Bruins have a superstar on their hands.
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Bruins Want To Hold On To Kessel
by Paul on 02/23/08 at 02:46 PM ET
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via the Bruins Blog at the Boston Globe,
With the asking price for Marian Hossa being a young NHLer, a prospect, and a first-round pick, Kessel could be the first component of a trade for the Atlanta winger. However, Chiarelli made it sound like he’ll hold on to the 20-year-old, although he acknowledged he has listened to offers for every player on his roster, including Kessel.
Chiarelli denied a Toronto Sun report that had Kessel going to Philadelphia for forward Jeff Carter.
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Tags: Phil+Kessel,
One Year Later
by Paul on 12/14/07 at 01:40 PM ET
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from the Hockey Journal,
A year ago this week, Boston Bruins center Phil Kessel underwent surgery for testicular cancer.
Watching the second-year pro skate a regular shift these days as the club’s third-line pivot, you’d never know he’d battled such a deadly disease just 365 days ago.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Boston Bruins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Phil+Kessel,
America’s Next Wave
by Steve on 12/10/07 at 12:35 PM ET
Comments (10)
One of many complaints that casual sports fans have about hockey is that there are too many “foreigners” in our league. Which, by the way, is utter bunk because they support the NBA’s European and Asian outreach, and the Major Leagues are now making Hispanic players the norm.
But, they do have a point. The NFL, a league with 99.9999999% Americans in it, is the man in the United States right now. The NHL needs some new and talented red, white and blue blood.
Filed in: NHL Talk, Non-NHL Hockey | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: dustin+byfuglien, erik+johnson, patrick+kane, phil+kessel, usa+hockey, zach+parise,
