A few weeks ago, the Vancouver Canucks let Phil Kessel resume skating with the Abbotsford Canucks, the affiliate team, in hopes of getting Kessel back in shape for a contract with the big club. With weeks going by and no update on Kessel's status in Vancouver, insider drops an update regarding both parties.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal, gave fans some optimism, confirming that Kessel to Vancouver will happen and is in fact immient.
Although the Canucks aren't necessarily adding a powerhouse of a signing, they are getting a well respected vet who knows how to find the net, something that is crucial, especially in the postseason when team's begin to lock down star players that is when depth comes in.
The reason it may feel so long for Kessel to be announced is probably because he hasn't played at a high level since May of last year, therefore the Canucks will take their time with the March 8th deadline in mind.