Central division team expressed interest in Phil Kessel ahead of trade deadline

PUBLICATION

Cooper Godin
March 31, 2022 (11:32)

SHARE THIS STORY

Arizona Coyotes forward Phil Kessel was expected to be moved ahead of the NHL's trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on March 21st. Ultimately, that didn't happen, and some wondered if it could have been because Arizona brought in a bad contract (Bryan Little) and didn't want to retain any salary on Kessel's contract.

During his '32 Thoughts' article, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned one team that was interested in bringing in Phil Kessel before the deadline.

"Nashville was one of the teams interested in Phil Kessel," Friedman said.

Kessel, 34, is in the final year of a eight-year deal he signed as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs back in Fall 2013. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career in July.

The Madison (Wisconsin) native has appeared in 67 games this season with the Coyotes, tallying 42 points (7 goals, 35 assists), 26 penalty minutes, and is a -14.

Despite his age, there will be several teams interested in signing Kessel when free agency opens in July. He's played 967 consecutive games dating back to November 3rd 2009, so there isn't much of a worry for injury (knock on wood), and he can still produce. Kessel isn't scoring at the level he has in the past, but he's put up 40+ for the second consecutive season and 13th time in his career.

Source: Elliotte Friedman - 32 Thoughts

MUST READ

4 minutes ago | By David St-Jean

We finally know what Kent Hughes turned down for a second-line center, and it's unbelievable

May 21, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) reacts during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game one of the Eastern Conferene Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.

53 minutes ago | By David St-Jean

The Canadiens may be rethinking their plans for Ivan Demidov

1 hour ago | By David St-Jean

Oilers owner sidesteps Stan Bowman as coaching search takes unexpected turn

2 hours ago | By David St-Jean

Brendan Gallagher makes a statement that already has Canadiens fans excited

Oct 10, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) skates past Clarkson Golden Knights defenseman Noah Houle (3) during the third period at Pegula Ice Arena.

3 hours ago | By David St-Jean

It's official: Gavin McKenna's worst-case scenario has come true

Jan 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at Bell Centre.

3 hours ago | By David St-Jean

Vancouver Canucks decision involving Brendan Gallagher is finally confirmed: there is officially interest

Apr 7, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates with the bench player after scoring a goal against the Utah Mammoth during the first period at Delta Center.

4 hours ago | By David St-Jean

Edmonton Oilers consult NHLPA over controversial head coach hire

Jun 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; The Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes fight during the third period in game three of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.

4 hours ago | By David St-Jean

Game 4 in Vegas takes dramatic turn after three key players receive major setback

YESTERDAY JUNE 6, 2026
TOP 20		G	A	PTS
	Mitch Marner	3	1	4
	Tomas Hertl	1	1	2
	Jordan Staal	1	1	2
	Shea Theodore	1	1	2
	Sebastian Aho	-	2	2
	Brayden McNabb	-	2	2
	Taylor Hall	1	-	1
	Jordan Martinook	1	-	1
	Andrei Svechnikov	1	-	1
	Jackson Blake	-	1	1
	Jack Eichel	-	1	1
	Brett Howden	-	1	1
	Seth Jarvis	-	1	1
	William Karlsson	-	1	1
	Eric Robinson	-	1	1
	Jaccob Slavin	-	1	1
	Logan Stankoven	-	1	1
	Frederik Andersen	-	-	-
	Rasmus Andersson	-	-	-
	Ivan Barbashev	-	-	-
COMPLETE STATS

SEARCH