I’m going to preface this with a converation I had with Stas:

Stas: You really think there’s a chance of getting Kessel?
Dave: No, but it’s something to talk about.

So, while neither of us think this actually has a chance of happening, it’s worth mentioning. The Boston Bruins are looking at a very tough offseason, with both David Krejci and Phil Kessel being RFAs, and roughly $10 million in salary cap room for next year. At first glance, it appears they will only be able to resign one of them, because they need to save room to resign Milan Lucic and Blake Wheeler in the following offseason.

Why not throw an average of $4 million per year at Phil Kessel? The kid is 22, and is a pure sniper. I mean, the kid has one of the best wrist shots in the league. Sure, it will cost the Rangers either a 1st and a 3rd round pick (for signing under $3.9 million annually), or a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick (over $3.9 million annually), but that definitely is worth it. To reiterate, he’s 22. Do you really think, with Glen Sather’s draft history, that those draft picks are worth more than Kessel? And where would you rather have him spend the $4 million? The enigmatic Nik Antropov? Ales Kotalik? Kessel is the no-brainer there.

And the kicker? The picks wouldn’t be from this draft, so the Rangers would still have a solid opportunity at drafting one of the three wingers previewed earlier this week.

I will give Sather credit if he at least throws an offer sheet out there.

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