Phil Kessel is nearing a return to the ice, but it's not where you think

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Cooper Godin
December 17, 2023 (7:57)

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We're just passed the two month mark of the 2023-24 season and there are a handful of familiar faces who are still unsigned, including three-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Kessel.

While Kessel is hoping to play in the National Hockey League this season, he's reportedly considering his options and playing overseas is a possibility, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

In a post on X on Saturday, LeBrun shared that Kessel is considering playing some games in Switzerland as he waits for an NHL team to come calling.

"Free-agent Phil Kessel still awaiting an NHL opportunity and that door hasn't closed. But in the meantime, hearing that he's looking into maybe playing some games in Swiss League. Nothing decided yet." LeBrun said.

Kessel, 36, spent the 2022-23 season on a one-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he appeared in all 82 games, putting up 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists), 30 penalty minutes and was a minus-seven. Despite only appearing in four games during the playoffs, Kessel saw his name engraved on the Stanley Cup for a third time as Vegas won for their first in franchise history.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens on the Phil Kessel front over the next couple of months. There's no doubt that any contending team could use him in a bottom-six role on a league minimum contract, but needs to put pen to paper before March 8th in order to be eligible for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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