Phil Kessel on the move to a big market?

There is a consensus that the New York Rangers need to bring in some additional scoring. Team insider Arthur Staple strongly believes the Blue Shirts need to look at the trade market to acquire that boost up front and suggests the Rangers call upon Phil the Thrill.

That’s right. Phil Kessel could become a target of the Rangers as his name has been mentioned in trade circles for a few seasons now. He was again brought up in trade rumours as soon as the 2021-22 season got underway. Arizona Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong reportedly defined the direction that they’re going in and that will not include Kessel. The veteran forward, who is in the final year of his contract, is looking for a fresh start and is hoping to head to a contender.

New York is a huge market and is looking to clinch a playoff spot after a rebuild in the past seasons.

After a disappointing debut campaign for the Coyotes in 2019-20, Kessel bounced back in 2020-21 and put up 20 goals and 43 points in just 56 games. So far this season, he’s tallied 4 goals and 15 points in 28 games.

Of course, that’s a far cry from the 30+ goals and 90+ points he was putting up during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but there’s reason to believe that Kessel still has the skill to produce points.

Staple also mentions Los Angeles Kings’ Dustin Brown, Dallas Stars’ Joe Pavelski or San Jose Sharks’ Tomas Hertl as possible targets, however, Kessel is the most likely of that group to be available. Pavelski is said to be hoping to stay in Dallas even at a discount, the Kings won’t part with Brown and the Sharks will hold on to Hertl, especially if they can compete for a playoff spot.

Kessel could see his dream come true and get out of the desert if the Rangers are interested and the Big Apple would be quite a thrill for Phil.