Insider Reveals Phil Kessel's Free Agency Status and Future in the NHL

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Dawson McKenzie
December 7, 2023 (4:23 PM)

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This NHL insider has just given a massive update on the status of Phil Kessel's free agency, and whether or not he will be an NHLer this season.

Chris Johnston Provides Massive Update on Phil Kessel

Phil Kessel is an interesting tale of free agency in the NHL. On one hand, it is surprising that he has remained unsigned this long into the season, being a three-time Cup Champion and NHL All-Star. On the other hand, he is teetering at the end of his career.

Somebody sign Phil Kessel. I mean what the f*ck are we doing here? Jesus Christ

While there were rumours that he was getting close to a deal near the beginning of the season, he remains unsigned as the trade deadline looms. Now, Chris Johnston has provided a massive update on his free agency.

"Phil has wanted to return the whole time, He was reluctant to go to a team's training camp on a tryout contract, so didn't do that. But, you know he's continued to skate. He's living in Arizona, keeping himself game read. There have been ongoing discussions. There was something in October that was very close, like he was going to get a contract but that obviously didn't happen. The weeks become months, is it all for him?

"In his mind and heart, he hopes not, and so it's going to take one team who is serious enough to give him a chance. He is still the NHL's active ironman. He's just looking to sign somewhere and keep playing. If that team doesn't want to dress him on back to back nights or have him as an extra forward. I think he would be to some of those opportunities. Only time will tell if Phil Kessel is back in the NHL. But certainly it's his desire to get back there."

Kessel Could Help Any Team Looking to Add Depth to their Lineup

Phil Kessel definitely has something left to give the NHL, and any team that is interested would benefit from his leadership and depth-scoring ability. However, the biggest question becomes at what price point Kessel wants to sign. He will need to be flexible to fit into teams' cap constraints.

btw there's only one solution that can fix the penguins atp, we all remember what phil kessel's last run with the penguins resulted in. and if not let me remind you all

Either way, we will know Kessel's fate in the NHL this year as the deadline for him to sign a deal slowly approaches.

As seen on Blade of Steel - "Insider provides major update on Phil Kessel's hockey future and if retirement is an option"