Penguins back at trying to trade Kessel with latest rumour

After being elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has gained new life and is looking to make a splash once again.

According to team insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Rutherford is once again trying to move forward Phil Kessel. Earlier this month, the 32-year-old veteran used his no-trade clause to nix a deal that would’ve sent him to the Minnesota Wild, and it had seemed to discourage Rutherford into trying another move. 

However, many team insiders have found out that Kessel is back on the trade block despite being in control with his eight-team trade list. But Yohe believes there's "no question" Rutherford is attempting to move his $6.8 million cap hit. 

While Rutherford previously mentioned that he is comfortable with Kessel returning to the Pens lineup for the 2019-20 season, he is still trying to move the winger. 

The Penguins GM has made it clear that he wants his roster to get younger and faster and trading Kessel would make sense to get such a return. Yohe therefore pointed out that contrary to recent rumors, the Penguins won’t pursue veteran wingers Corey Perry and Wayne Simmonds via free agency.

But we will sure keep an eye on Kessel…