RUMOR: Blackhawks To Add Phil Kessel As Connor Bedard's Next Mentor Following Perry's Contract Termination

The Blackhawks brought in Corey Perry specifically to be a mentor to Connor Bedard. Now that his contract has been terminated though, the team is looking to add a new veteran voice to the locker room. One well-known veteran that is still available is Phil Kessel. The 36-year-old has reportedly been staying in game shape as he hopes to make a return to the league.

Now new reports suggest he may be on his way to the windy city. The fit makes a lot of sense. The Blackhawks forward group has been decimated after the loss of Taylor Hall and Corey Perry. Kessel may not have the upside of those two players, but at this point Chicago's options are very limited. At the very least, Kessel brings a veteran presence and he does bring some Stanley Cup pedigree. He could help teach Bedard and the other young Blackhawks what it takes to win. One Blackhawks fan account on X believes Kessel will be signing with the team shortly.

The Blackhawks are not entirely without veteran players. Nick Foligno has over 1100 games of experience in the league, but it is hard to build a leadership group around just one player. Additionally, Foligno has never won a Stanley Cup, something Kessel has done three times.

Furthermore, Kessel remains the NHL's active ironman leader. While he may not get an every day role with the Hawks, it shows a lot of grit and determination that he has been able to play over 1000 consecutive games in the league. Surely, he would be a worthwhile addition to the Blackhawks this season.

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