Kessel could be a Maple Leaf

September 18, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Rumors had been circulating all day that Phil Kessel could finally be on the move with likely destinations being either Toronto or Nashville.

It looks like the Maple Leafs could be his new home. According to TSN, a deal is in place that would send the 21 year-old holdout from the Bruins to Toronto. It all depends on if the current Group II can reach a new contract with Brian Burke.

More from the TSN story broke by Darren Dreger:

If the contract gets done, the deal is finalized and the trade goes through. If the Maple Leafs are unable to come to terms on a contract with Kessel, the deal may fall through.

Kessel is seeking a contract in excess of five million-per-year following his bustout 2008-09 that saw him pace the B’s with 36 goals while adding 24 helpers for 60 points, a plus-23 rating, eight power play goals and six game-winners. The former 2006 fifth overall selection has overcome testicular cancer and looks to be a future 40-50 goal finisher. Something the Leafs lack.

The Rangers were also said to have interest but only if holdout Brandon Dubinsky was part of a deal.

If it gets done, it should be interesting to see what the Bruins wind up with.