Penguins commerce Kessel to Coyotes for Galchenyuk
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dealt proper wing Phil Kessel to the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes, who’re getting a fourth-round decide and defenseman Dane Birks within the deal, are sending middle Alex Galchenyuk and defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, the staff introduced Saturday.
After being swept by the New York Islanders within the first spherical of the playoffs this previous season, the Penguins have been trying to get youthful and sooner round star Sidney Crosby. They not too long ago traded defenseman Olli Maatta to the Chicago Blackhawks for younger ahead Dominik Kahun.
Kessel, 31, is coming off a season wherein he had 27 targets and 82 factors, however he has a popularity for not being practically pretty much as good defensively. He had 34 targets and a career-best 92 factors the season earlier than. The three-time All-Star has not missed a recreation in 9 seasons.
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“Phil Kessel is a confirmed winner, an elite aim scorer and one of the vital productive level producers within the NHL for a sustained time frame,” mentioned Arizona normal supervisor John Chayka. “His dynamic scoring capability matches a selected want for this staff and immediately elevates us to a different stage.”
Kessel has three years remaining on an eight-year deal, initially signed with Toronto, that carries a cap hit of $6.eight million per season.
Penguins normal supervisor Jim Rutherford not too long ago confirmed that Kessel, who had a no-trade clause as a part of his contract, earlier vetoed a commerce that might have despatched him to the Minnesota Wild.
“At first, I wish to thank Phil Kessel for his contributions to the Penguins. He was a key part to our success in successful back-to-back Stanley Cups. We could not have accomplished it with out him, and for that, we’re grateful,” Rutherford mentioned Saturday. “With that being mentioned, we’re excited to welcome a younger, expert participant in Alex, and add depth to our protection with first-round draft decide Pierre-Olivier Joseph.”
Galchenyuk had 19 targets and 22 assists in 72 video games final season, his first in Arizona after six years with the Canadiens. Joseph and Birks have but to play within the NHL.