NHL Rumors: Coyotes Set Asking Price for Phil Kessel Trade

The Arizona Coyotes are willing to make several trades before the March 21 deadline as they look to continue rebuilding through the draft. One name that continues to make the rounds is veteran forward Phil Kessel and from all accounts it sounds like it won't take much to acquire the durable sniper.

Rumor has the Coyotes have set the asking price of one third-round pick and a mid-level prospect for Kessel, a price that some are even questioning could be too high. Kessel is in the midst of his worst season statistically, tallying only six goals and 33 points in 53 games.

Regardless of only having six goals on the season, Kessel continues to show he's an underrated playmaker and can still help a team generate offense. With two Stanley Cups in his back pockets, along with an impressive 81 points in 96 playoff games, there is interest in acquiring the Wisconsin native. 

The 34-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and has Arizona on the hook for $6.8 million against the salary cap this season. Any deal is expected to see the Coyotes retain half of his salary, which should help them drive up the acquisition cost. Three teams that continue to be linked to a Kessel trade include two of his former teams in the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins, along with the New York Rangers. Another to consider should be the Colorado Avalanche who continue to search for a right-handed forward to add to their mix. 

The crowd got quiet for a moment during this Penguins PP and a Penguin fan in the upper bowl yelled "I miss Phil Kessel!"

— Taylor Haase (@TaylorHaasePGH) February 28, 2022

Phil Kessel for a 3rd round draft pick AND they retain half his salary seems like a no brainer to me. Perfect fit for that third line.

— Laffy Taffy Super Fan (@LadyLibertyNYR) February 28, 2022

Sounds like Phil Kessel could potentially be returning to Boston if the Bruins can swing a deal with Arizona. #NHLBruins

— Matt Rogers (@bostonbruinsguy) February 25, 2022