Sessions with Stephens and Pulver: Behind the Scenes of NHL Player Safety Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTg2MzIzMzA1OTQxMTgyMTQ3/usatsi_13470230.jpg] The trade status of Jakob Chychrun [https://thehockeynews.com/news/will-the-arizona-coyotes-shop-jakob-chychrun] dominated the NHL rumor mill prior to the recent holiday roster freeze. While the 24-year-old Arizona Coyotes defenseman will remain the subject of media speculation, teammate Phil Kessel was suggested as a possible trade target for the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers. Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy included [https://bostonhockeynow.com/2021/12/27/nhl-trade-should-the-bruins-target-these-potential-ufas-on-nhl-trade-market/] Kessel among his list of trade options for the Bruins. He thinks bringing the 34-year-old winger back to Boston could provide them with the middle-six scorer they desperately need once they can find a taker for Jake DeBrusk. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson tweeted the Oilers could make a “strong play” for Kessel as a second-line right winger if the Coyotes would retain half of his salary. Cap Friendly shows [https://www.capfriendly.com/players/phil-kessel] the winger in the final season of his eight-year contract. His full annual cap hit is $8 million but the Coyotes' share is $6.8 million while the Toronto Maple Leafs retained $1.2 million. He also carries an eight-team trade list. Kessel isn't the scoring star he once was but he's put up a respectable 21 points in 30 games with the low-scoring Coyotes. He was their leading scorer last season with 20 goals and 43 points in 56 games. His 930 consecutive-game streak [https://records.nhl.com/records/skater-records/seasons-and-games/most-consecutive-games-played] sits third among the NHL's Ironman leaders. He's also a two-time Stanley Cup champion with considerable postseason experience. A trade to a playoff contender could provide Kessel an opportunity to prove his worth in a contract year. The rebuilding Coyotes could set a draft pick or two as their asking price at the March 21 trade deadline. However, convincing them to retain half his salary could require an additional pick or perhaps a quality prospect.
