Insider Report: Penguins “would love” to move Kessel

On Sportsnet’s Hockey Central radio show with Darren Millard yesterday, Sporsnet analyst and NHL insider Nick Kypreos dropped a bomb on the hockey world in announcing that the Pittsburgh Penguins “would love” to move forward Phil Kessel via trade.

The 30-year-old speedster leads the Penguins in goals, assists and points with eight goals and 24 points in 20 games this season, but Kypreos insists that GM Jim Rutherford would like to clear his $6.8 million off the books

“In a perfect world the’d love to move Phil Kessel’s contract out. They’re not comfortable long term carrying that money.”

When pushed for more information, Kypreos cryptically replied, “I can only tell you what I’m hearing…”

Wow. The Penguins wouldn’t actually trade Kessel would they? He’s been one of the team’s best players during their recent dynasty both in the regular season and the playoffs. He’s beloved in the team’s dressing room and, despite his high cap hit, he’s earned every penny that he’s made.

Then again, who ever thought we’d see Marc-Andre Fleury supplanted in Pittsburgh? Stranger things have happened…