According to Cap Friendly, Kessel has to ink a deal by 3 PM ET this Friday to be eligible for playoff action, whether it's with Vancouver or any other playoff-bound team. This tidbit came after Canucks Insider Rick Dhaliwal said that there's been no update on Kessel's Vancouver plans, despite the hopeful vibes.
With the playoffs on the horizon, you'd think there'd be a stampede of teams vying for a three-time Stanley Cup champ like Kessel. Yet surprisingly, there's been crickets.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, it looks like Vancouver might be holding off to see if they can snag some other big fish via trade first. Yet if they can swing both a trade deal and land Phil the Thrill, watch out, because this Canucks squad could be a cup contender come playoff time in 2023-24.