- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Multiple sources saying the Penguins are pursuing Canucks Ryan Kesler. One proposed deal is the Penguins sending Brandon Sutter, two 2014 draft picks (likely a first and third), and the Canucks choice of Simon Despres or Brian Dumoulin. There could also be another Penguins or Canucks player involved. Shero is only looking to acquire Kesler from the Canucks. Shero is looking to add only players that have term left on their contract.
Kesler has a no-trade clause, but has the Penguins on his preferred list of destinations. The Blackhawks, Flyers and Red Wings are several of the teams Kesler would be okay with going to.
The Penguins would have the cap space to add Kesler by putting Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang on the LTIR. Letang is not projected to play again this season.
- Elliotte Friedman: Friedman thinks the Canucks are still gathering info, seeing who is interested and what is out there.
- Dennis Bernstein: Bernstein notes that it’s a two horse race between the Penguins and Red Wings at the moment for Kesler.
- Bob McKenzie: Price for Kesler is high: an established NHLer (preferably a 20-25 year old center), top prospect (preferably a forward) and a first round pick. That is not saying the Canucks have to have a forward prospect over a defenseman prospect, they just have a more pressing need at forward.
- Will DePaoli: “Still think Brandon Sutter as the centerpiece for a Ryan Kesler trade would be a tough sell for the Canucks brass. Especially when you consider the facts that a long-term deal for Sutter is going to cost around $4 million per season. Pens certainly a contender for Kesler but some NHL types question whether they’re a trade match.
- Ken Campbell: “The reported potential returns for Ryan Kesler from Pittsburgh aren’t even close to what Kesler is worth. Not even close.”