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.