Could Phil Kessel be a trade target for the Montreal Canadiens?

Phil the Thrill

Kessel’s story started with the Boston Bruins when he was drafted by them fifth overall in 2006. He was part of that infamous trade that sent him to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for picks that turned into Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton, but it was with the Leafs where he made his stape as a top NHL player. Yet it was in Pittsburgh where he would become a Stanley Cup Champion.

The right-winger is most known for his shot, which has made him a sniping threat. But an underrated aspect of Kessel’s game is his passing. He finished this past season with 27 goals and 55 assists coming off a 92-point campaign (34 goals 58 assists) the year before.

Kessel is also proficient on the power play as 36 of his 82 points this season (12 goals and 24 assists) came on the man advantage. Crosby and Malkin were the main beneficiaries there as Kessel had primary helpers on seven and four of their power play goals respectively.

When it comes to players flying down the wing, there are few players more dangerous than Kessel. His shot is ridiculously quick, and even though he has a go-to spot he likes to shoot from that can be prepared for, he can still beat most goaltenders.

Something to keep in mind about Kessel is his type of production. He puts up a crazy amount of points each season, but he’s not necessarily a winger who can drive play. This isn’t to take away from the success he’s had even though it does help to play with Malkin who can do it all despite having a “down” year this season with only 21 goals.

The 2016 Stanley Cup run was a different story. That was the birth of the HBK line with Kessel Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin, and he was the reason for the offence it generated. Kessel led Pittsburgh in playoff scoring putting up 10 goals and 12 assists in 24 games and made a strong case to win the Conn Smythe even though Crosby ended up with the trophy.