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

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.

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

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