Phil Kessel's NHL career now in jeopardy
Many in the hockey world salivated at the news that Phil Kessel was spotted in Abbotsford, BC, earlier this season in anticipation of signing with the Canucks to add some veteran presence to their pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Today was the deadline for Kessel to sign a contract to be eligible to participate in the 2023-2024 playoffs, but alas, 3 pm has come and gone and news broke that Kessel remains unsigned; take a look.
Kessel, who has won three Stanley Cups, was believed to be hopeful that he could catch on with a team during the stretch run. However, for reasons unknown, he will remain at home for the rest of the season.
Could we see Kessel sign a contract for next season? Possibly, but if all fans have are memories of a guy who bragged about eating hot dogs on game days, then we can admit to those after us that we grew up in a time where a guy who many did not take seriously managed to become the National Hockey League consecutive games played leader.
If this is the end for Kessel, the question remains, is he a Hall of Fame?
| POLL | ||
MARS 8 | 492 ANSWERS Phil Kessel's NHL career now in jeopardy Is Phil Kessel a future Hall of Famer? | ||
| Yes, first ballot | 96 | 19.5 % |
| Yes, eventually he should be in | 226 | 45.9 % |
| No, he's not | 170 | 34.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530722.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) shoots the puck while Team Finland defenseman Olli Maata (3) defends during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530714.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) shoots the puck while Team Finland defenseman Olli Maata (3) defends during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530544.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530571.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
