NHL Veteran Phil Kessel looking to extend his career with PTO
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie -USA Today sports
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN Hockey Insider, Kessel is willing to accept a smaller role with any team in order to pursue his NHL career.
On Tuesday's episode of "Insider Trading," TSN's Pierre LeBrun revealed that free-agent forward Phil Kessel is open to signing a professional tryout if the fit is right.
"We mentioned him a few times last year. He didn't play in the NHL. He wanted to. He is willing still to try and help an NHL team," LeBrun said on Insider Trading. "He's willing to sign a PTO if the fit is right. And one of the things that his camp has alerted teams that have called about him is that ''Don't worry about that ironman streak.'' It's not going to be an issue. He's open to a part-time role and not playing every game, and that's a pretty key departure, I think, from the past.
"So the bottom line is, ''Phil the Thrill'' is still open to coming back if the fit is right."
"So the bottom line is, ''Phil the Thrill'' is still open to coming back if the fit is right."
Turning 36 on October 2, Kessel hasn't played since taking home his third Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, during which he made just four appearances in the postseason. In February of the previous season, Kessel worked out for the Vancouver Canucks, but he ultimately chose not to sign a contract.
Having won three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights, the 36-year-old forward did not play in the previous season but is eager to play again and is even willing to break his Ironman streak.
Kessel holds the record for the longest ironman streak in NHL history. Since Nov. 3, 2009, he has participated in 1,064 straight games with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even though Kessel was not contracted to play last year, his streak is still going strong.
LeBrun claims that his camp has informed teams not to worry about the streak and that he's willing to take on a part-time role.
Kessel needs eight more points to make his career total of 1,000. Between the Boston Bruins, Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Golden Knights, he has scored 413 goals in 1,286 games.
| POLL | ||
25 SEPTEMBRE | 143 ANSWERS NHL Veteran Phil Kessel looking to extend his career with PTO Will Phill Kessel sign a PTO? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 56.6 % |
| No | 62 | 43.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
Latest 10 stories
