Sullivan: My relationship with Kessel is as good as ever

Despite winning back-to-back Stanley Cups only one season ago, things in Pittsburgh haven't exactly seemed rosy for Phil Kessel and the Penguins.

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Reports at the end of May indicated a potential rift between Pens head coach Mike Sullivan and the 92-point man over Kessel's frustration with not playing enough minutes on superstar Evgeni Malkin's wing in the postseason. And earlier this week, it was reported that Kessel would even consider a trade out of Pittsburgh.

Sullivan attempted to clear the air about their relationship on Friday.

"My relationship with Phil has been the same for three seasons," Sullivan said, according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic.

"It hasn't changed. It's evolved because we've been through different experiences both as a group and as individuals. But my relationship with Phil is the same as it's always been. It's one of mutual respect. That's how I see it."

The Penguins came up short of the final this season, but the team has been consistently successful over the last handful of years. Much of that has to do with both Kessel and Sullivan, so reports of conflict between the two came as somewhat of a surprise.

"Phil had a great season for us," Sullivan said. "He had one of the best seasons of his career. He was one of our better players for a lot of the season. He's a guy who helped contribute and put our team in position to compete for the Stanley Cup."

Sullivan added, "The reality is, our relationship is as good as it's ever been."

Regardless of Kessel's rumored willingness to accept a deal elsewhere, he remains under contract with the Penguins for another four seasons at a cap hit of $6.8 million ($1.2 million is still paid by the Toronto Maple Leafs).