- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Two sources have said that the Flyers have put a “substantial offer” on the table for Ryan Kesler. They have also inquired about Alex Edler. The Flyers would have to look at their salary cap situation in any deal for Kesler. The Penguins reportedly offered Brandon Sutter, Simon Despres, and their first round pick for Kesler, and may be softening their stance on letting Derrick Pouliot go deal.
“Shero is said to be as aggressive in this pursuit of Kesler as he has any player at seven previous deadline periods,” the Tribune-Review’s Rob Rossi reported.
Kesler has two years left with a $5 million salary cap hit. A deal with the Flyers might cost Brayden Schenn. The Flyers would rather keep Sean Couturier over Schenn. It’s not known if Canucks GM Mike Gillis would consider packaging Kesler and Edler in the same deal.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Penguins, Flyers and Red Wings are the front-runners for Kesler. Kesler won’t waive his no-trade clause for the Blue Jackets.
- Will DePaoi of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins have been the most aggressive team when it comes to Kesler, but that may not mean the Canucks are very excited about what the Penguins are offering. The Canucks would be more interested in Derrick Pouliot than Simon Despres and Brian Dumoulin. Sources say that the Penguins have told teams that Pouliot, Scott Harrington and Tristan Jarry are off limits. With the Penguins offering Brandon Sutter as the ‘young’ center the Canucks are looking for, they may be on the low end compared to what other teams could offer: Ryan Johansen or Boone Jenner (CBJ), Brayden Schenn (PHI), Derek Stepan (NYR) and Gustav Nyquist (DET).
- Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “There are lots of teams interested in Kesler. He’s only going where he wants to go”
- Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “Flyers would be more inclined to trade B. Schenn and not Couturier”
- Brad Ziemer: Ziemer is having trouble seeing Kesler playing behind Crosby and Malkin.
- Nick Kypreos: Ryan Kesler has given the Canucks a short list of teams that he’d waive his no-trade clause for. List include the Penguins, Flyers and Rangers. The Canucks don’t want to trade him to the West.
- Darren Dreger: Maple Leafs were among the teams calling the Canucks about Kesler. Canucks looking for a huge return.
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “That package would have to include Kadri, Gardiner/Rielly and a 1st. I think the Leafs are passed making deals like that” … “The only way the Leafs make a deal like that is for a #1 centre and Kesler isn’t that”
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “I think it’s a long-shot at best for the Leafs to acquire Kesler.” … “Toronto would have no problem moving Kadri & the 1st for Kesler and would pause hard if Gardiner was wanted too.” … “There is absolutely no way that they will include Rielly in a package for Kesler”
