I wonder if Wild fans would trade James Sheppard for Kessel? I say in a heart beat.
One player who falls into the latter category -- and one who might intrigue the Wild -- is Bruins sniper Phil Kessel, the former Gopher who scored 36 goals in 70 games last season.
The 21-year-old Madison native is a restricted free agent and seeking a deal worth between $4.5 and $5 million a season. While the Bruins plan to meet this week with agent Wade Arnott in hopes of re-signing Kessel, the Bruins are $6 million shy of the anticipated salary cap for next season, and have several other key players to re-sign.
According to numerous sources, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is fielding offers, but because he can't take hefty salaries back, he's looking for a first-round pick and at least one top young player. If the Wild was to enter the fray, it would likely cost at least the 12th overall pick and James Sheppard or Tyler Cuma.
[StarTribune]
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