Toronto Sweetens the Pot for Kessel

Well, just when you thought the salary cap hit for Kessel could be standing in the way of any potential trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs sweeten the pot.

As reported by Elliotte Friedman on his 30 Thoughts article it appears the Maple Leafs are willing to absorb some of the cap hit by keeping a portion of Kessel’s salary.

More from Friedman:

Toronto’s let it be known it will take salary back for Phil Kessel, but there is a limit. It’s got to be less (in term and value) than Kessel’s. The Maple Leafs are more interested in prospects and draft picks, but recognize that alone won’t get a deal done. Since the idea is to help create cap flexibility, it doesn’t make sense to receive a similar contract in return.