Phil Kessel Gives Update on NHL Return

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Julien Trekker
November 2, 2023 (9:47)

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Kessel Opens Up on His Return to the NHL

In a recent interview, Phil Kessel shared his thoughts on his strong desire to continue playing in the NHL and his readiness for the season.

Kessel is currently in search of a new team for this season and has been linked to potential deals with multiple teams. Despite the ongoing speculation, he remains unsigned as we enter November, a sign that interest in his services may be waning. Kessel candidly addressed this situation in an interview with The Athletic.

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"Yes, I love to play and I've always loved to play.

I'm staying ready.

I've been skating. In the next week, I'm going to work with a skating guy here. We're going to do individual sessions to stay ready.

Obviously, I'm a little surprised I haven't got anything yet, but it is what it is, right?

I know I can still play and can still help. For the minutes I played last year, I thought my numbers were pretty solid, right? So I know I can help a team and contribute to a team which needs scoring.

I think I can play pretty much up and down a lineup, because I've done it for a long time.

I'm willing to kind of go wherever

Because I want to play. I love to play. I feel like I can help any team. I think my resume kind of speaks to that, right?"

Kessel's perspective is well-founded; many teams could benefit from his championship experience and scoring prowess. However, the financial constraints of the teams make adding him to their roster a challenging task.

Kessel is Near a Major Milestone

Phil Kessel, already holding an impressive NHL record for the longest Iron Man streak among active players, is now just 8 points away from reaching the significant milestone of 1,000 career points. This achievement serves as a powerful motivator for his eagerness to return to the ice.

NHL Milestones:
1000 points

NHL Milestones
1000 points

99. Kessel: 992 pts.
100. Kariya : 989 pts
101. Middleton : 988 pts.
102. Keon : 986 pts.
103. Tavares : 986 pts.

Do you think Kessel will sign a contract soon?

As seen on Markerzone - Kessel Breaks the Silence on His Return to the NHL

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