Phil Kessel Possible Ironman Streak Ending?

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S. Harper
April 6, 2022 (5:53 PM)

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After this weekend we seen Philadelphia Flyers Keith Yandle's ironman streak come to a end due being a healthy scratch.

Now Arizona Coyotes Phil Kessel is the new Tony Stark of the NHL. But could that be ending too?

While Kessel's streak (fingers crossed) keeps rolling, Kessel can't catch Yandle this season. Should he play out the remainder of the 2021-22 calendar without missing a game, Kessel will reach 980 consecutive games. He'll need to play the first 10 games next season to break Yandle's mark.

Now the problem is Kessel is a pending unrestricted free agent this summer. Kessel could miss it because of that if he's not signed or signs later and misses training camp it's a wrap for Phil Kessel's streak too. We're hoping it gets settled ,since Yandle didn't get to 1,000 consecutive games, we're cheering you on Kessel.

Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News points out, Kessel�«could remain in Arizona for more money, or choose to go elsewhere on a team friendly contract. That might mean a return to past stomping grounds including Boston or Pittsburgh. If cap space permits, he could also join a contender looking to retool like Colorado or Florida.»

But if he signs elsewhere, the Coyotes won't be there to protect his Ironman record:

«Wherever he ends up, Kessel will become the new NHL consecutive games played record holder 10 games into the 2022-2023 season; that is, unless his play declines and he finds himself a healthy scratch.»

That could play in the balance in Kessel's decision for a new contract. Will he prefer to protect the Ironman streak or put it in jeopardy to play for a contender Phil's going to have to have a few hotdogs 🌭 and make a decision.