Leafs, Panthers sources tell LeBrun there have been no Kessel trade talks

Pierre LeBrun was on Toronto’s TSN 1050 on Tuesday afternoon.

On if the Kessel-to-Florida rumours make sense to him:

"Listen, let’s go through this together. Let’s start with No. 1. I can tell you, from talking to a source in both front offices, there have not been any conversations between the Panthers and Leafs regarding Phil Kessel. Okay?

“Now, having said that, I will tell you this: If you’re going to look for a team to get into the mix, especially – we think is probably a June conversation more than anything – the Panthers have a ton of cap room. They have a new owner. They’ve had trouble scoring goals this year and I think Dale Tallon has always been kind of fond of Phil Kessel.

“But I would suggest that if this conversation ever happens between Dale Tallon and Dave Nonis, that Dale Tallon will say, ‘Well, we’re not giving you any of our Grade A talent in return... If you’re looking for somewhere to put this guy, maybe I’ll give you this and this. But let’s be serious.’

“So that’s where it starts, for me.”

Source: TSN 1050/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey

Related: LeBrun: "Wouldn't surprise me" if Flames explored Kessel trade