Asked about Kessel’s latest stance on negotiations, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli responded, “No comment,’’ via e-mail yesterday. Chiarelli responded the same way two days earlier when word first began to leak that Kessel’s side withdrew from negotiating with the Bruins.
When contacted by the Globe earlier this week about their side’s current negotiating stance, agent Wade Arnott claimed there hadn’t been a change in tactics from Kessel’s side. But two sources familiar with the talks, which Chiarelli on Monday proclaimed to be at “philosophical impasse,’’ confirmed the new passive-aggressive approach by the 21-year-old Kessel.
The Bruins, who open their full training camp at the Garden Sunday, have tried to sign Kessel to a deal on par with the three-year, $11.35 million pact signed earlier this summer by 23-year-old pivot David Krejci. However, it has become obvious since July 1, the start of free agency, that Kessel believes he is worth more. He noted to a Globe reporter during last month’s US Olympic orientation camp in suburban Chicago that Krejci’s contract was not relevant to his deal. Kessel also said he would accept a discount to re-sign with the Bruins, for whom he has played all of his three seasons in the league, but it would not be a significant rollback from his asking price (which he has never made public).
“That’s an agent thing,’’ he said.
Last season, Kessel led the Bruins with 36 goals, tying him with Dallas winger Loui Eriksson for 12th in the league. The 11 players ahead of Kessel and Eriksson on the list will average $6.5 million in cap hits this season. Eriksson will earn $1.7 million.
The Bruins, with only some $1.7 million in cap space available, would have to make roster moves to accommodate Kessel at their desired target of upward of $4 million per season. They could deal away a player, such as Chuck Kobasew ($2.33 million cap hit), or dish a player to the minors, such as defenseman Matt Hunwick ($1.45 million), who does not have to clear waivers to be demoted.
