Penguins to pair Kessel, Crosby on top line

By foxsports
Published

Pittsburgh coach Mike Johnston revealed offseason acquisition Phil Kessel will likely join captain Sidney Crosby on the team's top line.

"We're looking at Crosby with Kessel and (Evgeni) Malkin with (Patric) Hornqvist,” Johnston told reporters of the key cogs on the Penguins' top two lines prior to the team's alumni golf outing on Tuesday. "On the left side, there are a number of players. Even right wingers like David Perron or Beau Bennett might be there."

Considering the calendar still reads August, Johnson admitted that the plans are subject to change as he attempts to find the right chemistry between the players.

A five-time 30-goal scorer, Kessel was acquired with forward Tyler Biggs, defenseman Tim Erixon and a 2016 second-round selection from the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1. The Maple Leafs received forwards Nick Spaling and Kasperi Kapanen, blue-liner Scott Harrington and first- and third-round picks next year.

(h/t Pro Hockey Talk)