Phil Kessel not giving up, willing to make concessions to get back to the NHL

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TJ Tucker
September 25, 2024 (12:57)

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Phil Kessel says he has no plans for retirement and is willing to do whatever it takes to find an NHL team to sign him for the 2024-25 season

He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, and the owner of the longest iron-man streak in NHL history. Yet, Phil Kessel finds himself on the sidelines with the 2024-25 preseason underway after not having played at all last season. Yet, Kessel says he's far from done.

As reported by The Hockey News, NHL insider Pierre Lebrun recently discussed Phil Kessel's situation, and said he's willing to do whatever it takes to get on a roster, even if it means signing a professional tryout (PTO), and giving up on the iron man streak.

"Speaking of guys on the sidelines, not ready to retire yet, how about Phil Kessel? We mentioned him a few times last year. He didn't play in the NHL. He wanted to. He is willing, still, to try and help an NHL team. He's willing to sign a PTO if the fit is right."

At 36 years old, it's a little surprising that no one is even willing to give Phil Kessl a trout. He's played 1286 regular season games in the NHL, as well as another 100 in the postseason. He is just 8 points shy of 1000 for his career.

Phil Kessel was very close to signing with the Vancouver Canucks at the trade deadline last season, but Canucks GM Patrik Allvin ultimately passed, saying Kessel wasn't a good fit for the team. Kessel's best season in the NHL came with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017-18, when he played all 82 games and netted 34 goals and 92 points. His first two Stanley Cups came with the Penguins, while his third was won with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022-23.