Phil Kessel is the NHL’s all-time Ironman, and his streak is still active despite not playing a game for well over a year.
The last time the three-time Stanley Cup champion dressed for a game was in April 2023, during the Golden Knights’ first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets. The Golden Knights went on to win their first-ever Stanley Cup, but although Kessel didn’t contribute much, he was praised for how important he was in the locker room and during practices in the playoffs when it mattered the most.
Phil Kessel didn’t play a game last season after going unsigned, meaning he still hasn’t been scratched or missed a game due to injury. Since the Ironman streak only counts for regular season games, his streak is still intact. In February, it seemed like Kessel was going to land a contract with the Vancouver Canucks as he trained with the organization’s AHL affiliate, but eventually, the GM opted against signing him.
Kessel is one of the most well-liked figures in all of hockey, known for being a great player, but also a hilarious guy and a great teammate. Many have feared that we’ve seen the last of Kessel in the NHL, but the veteran hasn’t given up just yet.
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TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Tuesday that Kessel is willing to sign a professional tryout (PTO) to find a new team.
“Phil Kessel is not contemplating retirement yet. He’s eager to catch on with an NHL team on a PTO to prove himself,” LeBrun said.
“A couple of teams have stayed in touch with his agent, Wade Arnott, on it. They wanted to see how things played out in their camps and preseason early on before circling back.”
Kessel apparently isn’t concerned about the Ironman streak and is willing to play a part-time role on a team, per LeBrun.
“Kessel skated with NHL players in Arizona before camps opened and is training and keeping in shape. I’m told he doesn’t care about his regular season Ironman streak if teams were worried about dealing with that. He would be open to missing games and playing whatever role was asked of him.”
Phil Kessel is just eight points away from reaching 1,000 career points.
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