UFA forward Phil Kessel reportedly wanting to play in 2024-25
Unrestricted free agent forward Phil Kessel is reportedly wanting to play in 2024-25.
It's been over a year since Phil Kessel last appeared in a professional hockey game, but it doesn't appear that he's ready to hang up the skates anytime soon.
On Friday's edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman shared that Phil Kessel is hoping to play during the 2024-25 season, but didn't specify if that would be with in the National Hockey League or elsewhere.
Elliotte Friedman also mentioned that Phil Kessel was asked by Major League Hockey if he'd be willing to participate in their 3-on-3 professional league, but that plan never materialized, with MLH delaying their launch for another year.
Kessel, 36, hasn't played since April 24th, 2023 in Game 4 of Vegas' first round series against the Winnipeg Jets. He went on to be a healthy scratch for the remainder of the playoffs, but hoisted his third career Stanley Cup just two months later.
In February, Kessel headed to Abbotsford to work out with Vancouver's American Hockey League affiliate in hopes of landing an NHL contract. Kessel and the Canucks came close to an agreement before the NHL's trade deadline, but for cap reasons, he wasn't signed.
If Kessel is wanting to return, he'll need to start out in the American Hockey League to get back up to game speed before any NHL team comes calling. Another option could be Europe, something he considered in December 2023.
Source: Josh Erikson/Pro Hockey RumorsPhil Kessel Still Hoping To Play This Season
| POLL | ||
13 SEPTEMBRE | 78 ANSWERS UFA forward Phil Kessel reportedly wanting to play in 2024-25 Will Phil Kessel play any games in the NHL this season? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 20.5 % |
| No | 62 | 79.5 % |
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