Another day, another Phil Kessel rumor.
Following Stanley Cup Win, Blackhawks Face Myriad Offseason Questions
The Detroit Red Wings are the latest team that is reportedly considered in on the sweepstakes for the Maple Leafs winger, though a series of complications could hinder that progress.
According to SB Nation, the Red Wings have kicked the tires on a possible trade for Kessel, though it's uncertain how far general manager Ken Holland is willing to go to secure him.
Capitals Interested In Blackhawks Forward Patrick Sharp
One notable bump in the road is that Kessel reportedly will only agree to waive his no-trade clause in order to be dealt to eight teams.
The list includes the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers.
It remains to be seen if Kessel would be willing to reconsider coming to Detroit, but the Red Wings would also have to take on his salary as well.
The 27-year-old forward carries an $8 million annual salary cap hit through the 2021-22 campaign on a deal that pays him until he turns 34.
With a thin free agent and trade market this offseason, Detroit may also balk on Toronto's demands in a return for Kessel as they would likely have to give up a first-rounder, one of their elite prospects and a player that is NHL-ready, quite a heavy haul for a forward who could be on the downswing of his career.
Still, the Red Wings are interested in generating greater depth for a deep playoff run.
Yes, Detroit has made it to the postseason an NHL-record 24 straight seasons, but it hasn't made it past the second round since going the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years in 2008 and 2009, and it hasn't won a single round in its past two playoff runs.
The Red Wings finished 43-25-14 with 100 points in the 2014-15 campaign, but they lost a pivotal Game 7 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of this spring's Stanley Cup playoffs.
Kessel had 25 goals and 35 assists for 61 points last season and is 247-273--520 in 668 games in his nine-year career spent between the Bruins and Maple Leafs.
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