The Phil Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs rumors were kicked up a notch yesterday as Kessel’s agent, Wade Arnott, was seen chatting it up with assistant GM, Dave Nonis, at the Leafs practice facility. The Leafs appear to be the front runners in landing the Bruins forward, ahead of the New York Rangers and Nashville Predators.
Burke has reportedly offered up as much as 2 1st round picks and 2nd round pick, though that hasn’t been confirmed. The Bruins would prefer to trade him out of their division, but they may not get a better offer. Also, the team that acquires him would want to talk contract before they trade for him. If Kessel refuses to talk to other teams or over values himself, it may not leave GM Peter Chiarelli much choice but to send him to the Leafs