Phil Kessel says he does not expect to play this season with the Boston Bruins, but he has not broken off negotiations with the team.

"I don't know who is saying that, but it's not true," Kessel told sportsnet.

The Boston Globe reported the free agent planned to sign an offer sheet with one of the other 29 teams, according to Kessel's Toronto-based agent Wade Arnott.

He admitted negotiations and trade rumours have been unpleasant and the odds of playing for the Bruins are slim at this point. But that doesn't mean the door is closed.

"You can never say never," Kessel said. "They are doing what they think is best for them. It's just business."

Kessel led the Bruins with 36 goals last season in just 70 games.