San Jose Sharks: Seven Trade Ideas Before the Deadline

Dec 3, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward

(81) carries the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel – Toronto Maple Leafs

Why he fits: If the Sharks really do decide to make a giant move, they should consider acquiring Kessel. He is a huge name in this league, so his asking price is probably to high for Doug Wilson‘s liking. Kessel has been a subject of trade rumors for quite a while now, which could potentially lower their asking price. But the price will probably still be too high for the Sharks. It’s highly doubtful that Wilson would be willing to shell out multiple draft picks along with one or two prospects, and maybe a decent NHL player for the 26 year old winger.

Kessel, an All-Star this year, ranks first in goals (22), assists (26) and points (48) in 60 games with the Maple Leafs this season. The former Boston Bruins first round pick (fifth overall) also has the second worst plus/minus rating on the team at a -21.

The Sharks are one of the only teams that could take on Kessel’s $8 million per year cap hit, which makes the market for the 6-foot, 200 pound forward fairly small. It just might be worth it for Wilson to pull the trigger on a trade with Toronto.

Kessel played on a line with Sharks forward Joe Pavelski in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, and the two, along with fellow Maple Leaf, James van Riemsdyk — who is one of the only players on the Leafs’ roster to be declared by Leafs GM Dave Nonis as “untouchable.”

As mentioned before, at 26 years-old, Kessel is still a young guy which fits into Wilson’s future plans.

Proposed Trade:

To SJS: Phil Kessel

To TOR: Tomas Hertl/Mirco Mueller/Matt Nieto/Nikolay Goldobin [pick two], Tyler Kennedy and a first round draft pick

Chance of happening: 35%

Next: 2. Jeff Petry