The 2023-24 NHL season is half done. This season like the previous ones has seen some staggering goals, stunning performances and breath taking moments. One person not seen throughout this season is Phil Kessel, who continues to be an unrestricted free agent.
The NHL ‘Ironman’ last appeared for the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2023 Stanley Cup finals. After collecting his third Stanley Cup trophy, he would leave the club following the expiration of his contract. Since then no other team has tried to take a chance on him leading to a question of whether any he will sign with any team during the ongoing season?
In the past few months, several reports have thrown in names of various teams. However, none of them have actually come to life, leaving the veteran forward still without a team.
Previously, NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun claimed that the 36-year-old would be interested in a change of scenery and was open to a move to the Swiss League. Only time will now tell whether Kessel moves to Switzerland or continue to wait for NHL team to make an offer for him.
Looking back at Phil Kessel’s legendary NHL career so far
There is no denying of the fact that Phil Kessel is considered as one of the all-time greats. A first round pick in the 2006 draft by the Boston Bruins, the American international has mesmerized the fans with impressive performances throughout the years.
His career could have been cut short significantly when we was announced to be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2006. Fortunately, that same year he was declared cancer free and returned to professional hockey.
After making a name for himself in Boston, the right winger joined the Toronto Maple Leafs. Once again Kessel showcased his commitment to hockey with Leafs as he penned a huge eight-year deal in December 2023.
Things though came to a drastic end as Kessel was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015 after being the Leafs’ top points scorer in the previous season. This led to some media from Toronto to take a shot at him.
Kessel then found himself skating with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the Pens attack. In December 2015, he played in his 500th consecutive game leading to huge applauds from the hockey world.
His time in Pittsburgh saw him being part of the back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017. A three-year stint with the Arizona Coyotes was followed by a one-year stay with Vegas Golden Knights where he claimed his third Stanley Cup.
In 1,286 official games, he has picked up a total of 992 points (413 goals, 579 assists). This stats alone make him a worthy Hall of Fame candidate. Fans are now keeping their fingers crossed and hoping to see him appear for any side this season.
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