Our staff's comprehensive trade coverage: Kessel to Coyotes for Galchenyuk taken at PPG Paints Arena (Courtesy of Point Park University)

Phil Kessel. -- MATT SUNDAY / DKPS

The Penguins have traded Phil Kessel, defense prospect Dane Birks, and a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft to the Coyotes for center/left wing Alex Galchenyuk and defense prospect Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

No salary has been retained on either side.

Galchenyuk, 25, played one season with the Coyotes, scoring 19 goals and 22 assists in 72 games. He was drafted by the Canadiens No. 3 overall in 2012.

Galchenyuk has one year remaining on his contract and carries a $4.9 million cap hit. He will be an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires. With Kessel's contract carrying a $6.8 million cap hit, the deal frees up $1.9 million in cap space.

Joseph, 19, was the Coyotes' first-round pick in 2017, selected at No. 23 overall.  Last season was his final year in the QMJHL, and he recorded seven goals and 18 assists in 27 games with the Charlottetown Islanders and two goals and 20 assists in 35 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs.

Joseph will turn pro next season and his three-year entry-level contract will kick in. It carries a cap hit of $863,333 and average annual value of $1,075,833 at the NHL level.

"First and foremost, I want to thank Phil Kessel for his contributions to the Penguins," said Jim Rutherford. "He was a key component to our success in winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. We couldn't have done it without him, and for that, we are grateful. With that being said, we are excited to welcome a young, skilled player in Alex, and add depth to our defense with first-round draft pick Pierre-Olivier Joseph."

"Phil Kessel is a proven winner, an elite goal scorer and one of the most productive point producers in the NHL for a sustained period of time," said Coyotes general manager John Chayka. "His dynamic scoring ability fits a specific need for this team and instantly elevates us to another level."

"Bringing in one of the premier scorers in the NHL-and a two-time Stanley Cup champion-demonstrates Mr. Meruelo's commitment to winning and to doing whatever it takes to make this organization great," said Coyotes president and CEO Ahron Cohen. "This team is on the rise and today is an important acceleration forward for our organization and our amazing fans here in Arizona."

The trade reunites Kessel with Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet.

Birks, 23, was the Penguins' sixth-round pick in 2013. Last season was his first professional season, and he spent nearly all of it in the ECHL. He scored one goal and 13 assists in 65 games with the Nailers, and was scoreless in one game with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

MORE KESSEL TRADE COVERAGE

• Galchenyuk could move into a top-six role

Kovacevic: Don’t act like Kessel was only problem

Kessel ‘very excited’ to join Coyotes, Tocchet

• Drive to the Net: Joseph brings skating, vision

Background on prospect Birks, dealt to Coyotes

Photos: The many faces of Phil Kessel

MATT SUNDAY GALLERY

Phil Kessel -- MATT SUNDAY / DKPS

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