The Penguins didn’t three-peat and because of that there is a lot more time to fill than there has been the past two seasons. Enter the Phil Kessel drama that has been seen the last week in the media. Similar nonsense transpired in Toronto and now that the Penguins didn’t win it all it is now in Pittsburgh, at least in a few places.

I’m here to say that I brought up the idea of trading Phil Kessel last summer. Let me restate that, I brought up the idea of trading Kessel. I did not advocate for it last summer and I am not going to advocate for it this summer either. Kessel had an amazing season in 2017-18 by any standard and for 6.8M it was a steal. I do think the Penguins should entertain the possibility of trading Kessel before his aging curve kicks in. It makes no sense to do it this summer. The risk reward of keeping him around is still a good one for Pittsburgh.

Phil did a ton of damage on the power play. He was a big reason for the Penguins being the best at it in 2017-18. He was still dangerous at even-strength and that is the area you really need to watch moving forward. His shot is his most dangerous asset and he needs to keep finding ways to get it off at 5v5. He actually saw a slight improvement in that area this year. His point production remains at a top level.


Data from Corsica

Every offseason should include a re-evaluation of where Kessel is as a player and if he is going to be able to maintain the status quo. I would focus that on his 5v5 play. Having that discussion does not mean he needs to be traded. He definitely should not be traded right now. End of story.

Anybody who thinks he should be traded is not making that argument based on the actual hockey that is played. I don’t do much with player quotes so perhaps I’m unaware of how necessary they are to write about hockey, but it seems like Phil not providing one is when all of the “rumors” started. Here is what we more than likely missed out on during locker room cleanout day:

“We’re disappointed we really thought we could win a third Stanley Cup in a row. I had some nagging injuries that slowed me down that I thought I could play through. I’m going to work hard and come back strong next year so that doesn’t happen again”

Some people can’t live without that kind of quote I suppose.

You won’t find too many non-RFA contracts in the league that gave more value last year than Kessel’s 6.8M. It is ludicrous to think otherwise. Phil is still playing at a high level. The conversation can begin and end there for the summer of 2018.

Thanks for reading!

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