Report: Flames 'kicked the tires' on Kessel; Leafs were unwilling to retain salary

Brian Burke, Brad Treliving, and the Calgary Flames "kicked the tires" on Phil Kessel at the NHL draft last week, but the trade discussion hit a snag when the Toronto Maple Leafs were unwilling to retain salary, reports ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

He notes that Toronto was willing to accept a contract, or two, in return, but averse to retaining Kessel money.

Kessel is reportedly set to receive a $4-million bonus July 1 - which the Maple Leafs will have to open the wallet for. The one-time payment is likely responsible for trade discussion seemingly fizzling in recent weeks.

The five-time 30-goal man will take up $8 million against the cap until 2020.