NHL: Pens acquire Kessel in six-player deal

The Penguins acquired Phil Kessel, 27, in a blockbuster trade with the Maple Leafs which they hope will rejuvenate Kessel’s career while giving stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin a running mate who can come close to matching their pedigree and production.

Pittsburgh dealt forward prospect Kasperi Kapanen, forward Nick Spaling, defenseman Scott Harrington and a 2016 thirdround pick to Toronto for Kessel, forward Tyler Briggs and defenseman Tim Erixon. Conditional draft picks are also involved.

The Canucks traded Zack Kassian and a 2016 fifthround pick to the Canadiens for Brandon Prust.

Artem Anisimov and the Blackhawks agreed to a $22.75 million, fiveyear contract extension just one day after the Stanley Cup champions acquired the center in a sevenplayer deal with the Blue Jackets.

The Red Wings were busy on free agency’s opening day, signing defenseman Mike Green to a threeyear, $18 million deal and winger Brad Richards to a oneyear, $3 million deal with $1 million in playoff bonuses.

Mike Green signed a multiyear deal with Detroit, Andrej Sekera signed a $33 million, sixyear contract with Edmonton, Paul Martin inked a $19.4 million, fouryear deal with San Jose and Francois Beauchemin got a threeyear deal with Colorado.

Other notable players to sign with teams on a busy opening day of free agency were right wing Justin Williams to a twoyear, $6.5 million contract with Washington; forward Michael Frolik, who got a $21.5 million, fiveyear deal from Calgary; forward Matt Beleskey, who got a $19 million, fiveyear deal from Boston; forward Blake Comeau, who signed a threeyear deal with the Avalanche; and forward Daniel Winnik, who signed a twoyear contract with Toronto.