REPORT: Kessel gone within a week?

As I'm sure you all have heard, the Boston Herald is reporting that the Bruins will likely deal Phil Kessel over the next week. The Herald sites Toronto and Nashville as the leaders in the Kessel sweepstakes, with Minnesota and the New York Rangers in as dark horses.

These are all teams I have put up on this blog in the past, so no surprise here. However, there was another twist today in the Tennessean.

The Predators GM, David Poile said Wednesday that the Predators have offered a combination of draft picks and prospects to Boston for forward Phil Kessel.

"I certainly believe in being aggressive and persistent and going after what I want. But I've made it clear what we can do,'' Poile said. "It's fairly apparent what other teams are doing.''

There have been reports saying Toronto is willing to give up two first-round draft picks and a second-rounder for Kessel. Poile also responded to that.

"If (Chiarelli) gets two firsts and a second, he's getting really good compensation,'' Poile said. "But it is all in the eye of the beholder for a 21-year-old player who scored 36 goals.''

Reports are that Chiarelli talked to Toronto GM, Brian Burke about Kessel in Toronto on Wednesday night. It is being reported that a possible player may have been added to the talks.

The Herald report would have to seem to be true since Burke has threatened to offer Kessel an offer sheet before Oct. 1.

The clock is ticking, so where will Kessel end up. One thing is certain, it won't be in Boston.