The True Reason Why Phil Kessel Isn't In NHL Revealed

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Dawson McKenzie
March 27, 2024 (12:36)

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Phil Kessel was rumoured to be considering signing a deal for the whole season, and now we know why a deal didn't materialize for the former cup champion after practicing with Vancouver's AHL affiliate.

Phil Kessel has the resume that you might assume most NHL teams would want on their roster come playoff time. He has proven he can win Stanley Cups, winning just last year with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is a former NHL All-Star and just last year he put up 14 goals and 22 assists in 82 games.

Many thought Kessel would be signing with the Vancouver Canucks when he was spotted practicing with their AHL affiliate earlier this year. However, no deal materialized before the deadline, meaning Kessel won't play in the NHL this season. Now, the GM of the Canucks Patrick Allvin has explained why they didn't offer Kessel a contract.

«I think Phil is a great person and a well-respected player,» Allvin said later on deadline day. «What he has done in the league, a three-time Cup winner, he wanted to come back to play.»

«With being in LTIR and roster complications and how we want to play, unfortunately, at this point it wasn't a fit for us,» he then added.

You can see the full video of the Vancouver Canucks General Manager explaining why he didn't sign Kessel here.

The Canucks are poised to make a run this year. It is the first time in several years that the Canucks look like a true contender for the cup, and so it makes sense that they didn't want to risk making any massive changes to accommodate Kessel into the lineup. However, the tensions are definitely rising in Vancouver, with players fighting during practice.

However, it is unfortunate that they brought him out to practice with the AHL team just to not sign him. It is also unfortunate to see a fan favourite not playing for the entire year. We will see if this ends up with Kessel's retirement.

As seen on Hockey Feed - "Reason exposed on why Phil Kessel wasn't signed by Vancouver"