Trade: The Maple Leafs trade Phil Kessel to the Penguins

The Maple Leafs have traded Phil Kessel to the Penguins.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Phil Kessel (retaining 15% – $1.25 million), Tyler Biggs, Tim Erixon and a 2016 2nd round pick (conditional) to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Kasperi Kapenan, Scott Harrington, Nic Spaling, a 2016 1st (conditional) and 3rd round pick.

Conditions on the draft picks from the Penguins official release:

*If Pittsburgh qualifies for the 2016 postseason, Toronto will receive the Penguins’ 2016 first-round draft pick; and the Penguins will receive Toronto’s 2016 second-round selection. The second-round pick would be the one Toronto originally acquired from Pittsburgh for Daniel Winnik earlier this year.

*Should Pittsburgh miss the 2016 playoffs, Toronto will INSTEAD receive the Penguins’ 2017 first-round pick; with Pittsburgh getting Toronto’s 2017 second-round selection in return.

*If the Penguins were to miss the postseason the next two years, Toronto would receive Pittsburgh’s 2017 second-round draft pick and Pittsburgh would not receive a draft pick.

Kessel was drafted 5th overall in the 2006 draft by the Bruins. He carries a $8 million cap hit for the next seven years.

Biggs was drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Maple Leafs.

Erixon was drafted 23rd overall in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Flames.

Harrington was drafted 54th overall in the second round of the 2011 draft by the Penguins.

Kapanen was drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 2014 draft by the Penguins.

Spaling was drafted 58th overall in the second round of the 2007 draft by the Predators. He carries a $2.2 million cap hit.

What do you think of the deal?

Phil Kessel

Tyler Biggs

Tim Erixon

Scott Harrington

Kasperi Kapanen

Nic Spaling