Rise in PTO signings prompts NHL figures to call for veteran Phil Kessel to be signed
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
In the wake of several professional tryout deals (PTOs) being signed this week, there's renewed interest in veteran star Phil Kessel.
Phil Kessel, the 36-year-old forward who last played for the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2022-23 NHL season, is known for his impressive ironman streak of 1,064 consecutive games. While he has yet to find a new team, that could change as more PTOs are being offered across the league.
Recently, the NHL has seen players like Kailer Yamamoto, Max Pacioretty, Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, and James Van Riemsdyk secure PTOs ahead of training camp. This flurry of activity has fueled speculation about the remaining free agents.
Amid this, Paul Bissonnette, the host of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, took to X to suggest that Kessel should be the next veteran to earn a PTO. Bissonnette tweeted:
Given Kessel's experience, which includes multiple Stanley Cup championships and a productive career that still saw him net 14 goals and 36 points with Vegas last season, there's plenty of reason to believe that the forward could still make a meaningful impact on a team.
Will an NHL team give Kessel another shot?
Despite being unsigned, Kessel remains determined to continue his NHL career. While there was interest from the Vancouver Canucks last season, it ultimately didn't lead to a contract. However, with his consistent ability to score and contribute to a lineup, it's possible that teams may consider adding him to their roster, especially if a PTO allows them to evaluate his performance during training camp.
The veteran forward's ironman streak is just one of the many reasons why Kessel's name remains relevant in these discussions. He has proven over the years that he's durable, reliable, and able to perform under pressure. As training camps approach, Kessel's name could once again rise to the forefront as NHL teams look to bolster their rosters with experienced players.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly waiting to see what happens next. With training camp just around the corner, Kessel's return to the NHL could be imminent.
Source: Hockey Feed
Many PTOs signed on Wednesday prompting move to get Phil Kessel signed!}»
Many PTOs signed on Wednesday prompting move to get Phil Kessel signed!}»
| POLL | ||
12 SEPTEMBRE | 177 ANSWERS Rise in PTO signings prompts NHL figures to call for veteran Phil Kessel to be signed Will Phil Kessel make a return to the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 33.3 % |
| No | 118 | 66.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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