Minnesota Wild Trade Targets: Forwards

Feb 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) goes to take a shot against the Edmonton Oilers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Edmonton 5-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel, right wing

6’0”, 202 lbs

October 2, 1987

Average Annual Value: $8,000,000

Phil Kessel is anther member of the Leafs that could wind up elsewhere this season. He’s a proven goal-scorer, and can distribute the puck too.

With 244 goals and 263 assists in 507 career games, there’s no disputing his offensive ability. But like many snipers, he can be streaky. His defensive play is shaky at times too. He would be a huge asset for a team looking to add some real speed and goal-scoring to its look.

Kessel back in Minnesota (where he played college hockey) wouldn’t have the media circus to deal with that he has in Toronto, and he wouldn’t have to be the go-to guy, with plenty of other scoring options on the roster.

The price for Kessel would be very high, and Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis doesn’t need to lower it as he could wait until the offseason to move Kessel. After this season, he’ll still have seven years left on his 64-million dollar contract (an eight-year extension he signed in October, 2013).