Phil Kessel is a Pittsburgh Penguin

The Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to add top-end offense talent to their roster. GM Jim Rutherford added one of the best pure goal-scorers in the NHL, if also one of the most maligned.

Phil Kessel is a Penguin.

The Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs finally came to terms on a deal that sent Kessel to Pittsburgh for forward Kasperi Kapanen, defensive prospect Scott Harrington, depth forward Nick Spaling, a 2016 first-round pick and a third-rounder. Along with Kessel, defenseman Tim Erixon, forward Tyler Biggs and a second-round pick were sent to Pittsburgh so the roster numbers worked.

Kapanen was a first-round pick for the Penguins last season.

The Leafs will eat $1.2 million of Kessel's $8 million cap hit through the contract. Phil Kessel for $6.8 million is a lot easier to stomach than $8 million.

This is a much different deal that what was rumored to be rejected by the Leafs at the draft, via Rob Rossi: 2016 1st round pick, Derrick Pouliot, Rob Scuderi and Chris Kunitz for Phil Kessel.

Kessel makes $8 million against the cap through 2022. From 2010-2014, only Steven Stamkos (159), Alex Ovechkin (153) and Corey Perry (145) scored more goals than Kessel’s 126. He has 247 goals and 273 assists in his career. To say either Sidney Crosby or Phil Kessel have their triggerman would be an understatement.

What a chance for Kessel to prove that the problem was Toronto and not Phil Kessel.

Much more to come. Buckle up.