Update on Kessel...

The Boston Globe is reporting that negotiations between Phil Kessel and the Boston Bruins are officially through.

According to Kessel's agent, Wade Arnott, the 21-year-old's top priority is to start looking at offers from the other 29 teams in the league. Click here for the full story.

"The Bruins, who open their full training camp at the Garden Sunday, have tried to sign Kessel to a deal on par with the three-year, $11.35 million pact signed earlier this summer by 23-year-old pivot David Krejci. However, it has become obvious since July 1, the start of free agency, that Kessel believes he is worth more. He noted to a Globe reporter during last month’s US Olympic orientation camp in suburban Chicago that Krejci’s contract was not relevant to his deal. Kessel also said he would accept a discount to re-sign with the Bruins, for whom he has played all of his three seasons in the league, but it would not be a significant rollback from his asking price (which he has never made public)." -- The Boston Globe

If that's true, I'm really truly disappointed in Kessel's decision. While this doesn't mean he won't be a Bruin this upcoming season (Boston can match whatever offer sheet is given), chances are looking slim. Supposedly, he thinks he should get around $4-5 million a season. As much as I enjoyed what he did for the B's offensively.. he isn't worth that kind of money. Not right now at least.

With the economy in such a decline, it just blows my mind how selfish some athletes can be. But if that's his attitude, if he really believes he is worth $5 million a season, he should go sign with a team who is willing to overpay for him. If I were the GM of another organization, I'd take some notice in how he's handling the situation now. Unless a team is going to lock him up long-term, they can look forward to similar contract disputes in the future as well.

No. 88 -- it was nice knowing you. You were great in your time with Boston so I'll thank you for that. However, I don't wish you any future luck, how can if this is the way things are going to end?

*Photo from The Boston Herald