Ex-Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel announced unexpected career change

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Austin Sabourin
October 12, 2024 (8:09 PM)

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Ex-Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel has announced an unexpected career change after not being offered a NHL contract this year.

Phil Kessel was open during the off-season about wanting to sign a PTO with a team to prove that he can still play, but unfortunately no teams reached out to him and his camp during the off-season.

Kessel had a solid run in the NHL playing in 17 seasons, winning the Stanley Cup three times, playing for 5 different teams, almost played in 1,300 NHL games, was 8 points shy of 1,00, and also set an NHL record as the all0time iron-man streak appearing in 1,064 consecutive games the most in NHL history. Unfortunately for the ex-Bruin, the game is going into a transition, and he hasn't been able to keep up with it. He hasn't suited up for a game since winning the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2022-23 season.

Kessel put the effort in, trying to keep his NHL dream alive at the age of 37-years-old, Kessel made it clear to the league that he wanted to come back, and suit up for another year. There were reports that the Vancouver Canucks were interested in signing Phil Kessel, but ultimately nothing came out of it.

Phil Kessel decided to change career paths after not receiving any calls during the off-season, and according to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, Kessel has signed a deal with the professional field of poker, joining the WPT Global.

Kessel released a statement following the career change:

"Poker & hockey have always been a passion of mine. I look forward to playing poker with everyone on wpt global and at WPT events."

The Boston Bruins drafted the sharp-shooter 5th overall back in 2006, but his time didn't last long playing just three years with the organization before being traded to the Maple Leafs.

Congrats on a great career Kessel! Hope you enjoy your new career.

As seen on Mapleleafsdaily:
Ex-Maple Leafs Forward Phil Kessel Announces a Wild and Unexpected Career Change