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Penguins' Rutherford prefers Kessel over 1st-round selection

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager could care less that his club has no selection in the first round of the 2016 Draft.

The club's lone selection this season was part of a package that was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs last offseason for sniper Phil Kessel, and Rutherford regrets nothing.

"Of course we’d like to have a first round, but not at the expense of Phil Kessel," said Rutherford. "We’re okay with what is going on tonight."

The Maple Leafs ultimately used the pick - 30th overall - to acquire goaltender Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks.

Meanwhile Kessel led the Penguins in scoring with 22 points in 24 games en route to their club's Stanley Cup victory.

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