Phil Kessel is excited for a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I never would have thought I’d have the chance to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, to play on a team like the Penguins," the 27-year-old winger told Penguins reporter Dejan Kovacevic. "It’s just amazing. I’m so pumped.”

Kessel, who spent the past six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, was traded to Pittsburgh on Wednesday along with Tyler Biggs and Tim Erixon for Kasperi Kapanen, Scott Harrington, Nick Spaling and a pair of conditional draft choices.

The Madison, Wisconsin native has fond memories of Toronto, but is looking forward to a new challenge.

“Toronto was a place I loved, and it’s not easy leaving that, even with everything else - that’s the first thought," said Kessel. "And then after that, I just see this as an opportunity, a great opportunity to be part of something special in Pittsburgh with some great players. I’m excited, right?”

With the Penguins, Kessel will have the opportunity to link up with a pair of former Hart Trophy winners in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

"Obviously, when you have a chance to play on a great team, you’re thrilled," Kessel told Kovacevic. "Being in Toronto, I got to play in one playoffs in all my years there. But that’s the best time of the year, right? Playoff hockey. Hopefully, I’ll get to play in many in Pittsburgh.”

Kessel has six years remaining on an eight-year deal that will pay him $54.4 million.