Is Kessel on the trading block?

It appears that Phil Kessel might be on the trading block in Boston. The Bruins are rumored to be in the running for Marian Hossa and they would need to trade some salary to get Hossa.

The Bruins owe right wing Glen Murray $4.15 million and goalie Manny Fernandez $4.3 million this coming season while less-expensive players like forwards P.J. Axelsson and Phil Kessel [stats] are rumored to be on the trading block, which could also open valuable cap space.

"We do have some commitments out there, contractual commitments that put us at cap number that we can’t go after a $10 million (a year) player," Chiarelli added. "In that sense, if we decided to go after a $10 million player, we’d be in trouble."

A new cap figure for all NHL teams is expected to be announced shortly. The signing period for signing unrestricted free agents, such as Hossa, begins July 1 and teams like the Bruins are attempting to clear cap space in order to sign them.

"I’m not feeling squeezed but we’d have to move some money around to go after a really, really marquee player," Chiarelli said.