Former Boston Bruins star looking to return to the NHL
Former Stanley Cup Champion and Boston Bruin, Phil Kessel doesn't intend to hang up the skates just yet.
This was reported by Elliotte Friedman of the 32 Thoughts Podcast.
Kessel was apparently approached by the MLH(Major League Hockey) about signing with a team. But the league has postponed it's launch until October 2025.
It seems an NHL PTO or contract is guaranteed for the NHL veteran either.
Kessel is a three-time All-Star, and three-time Stanley Cup champion but wouldn't play after the 2022-2023 NHL season. He posted 36 points( 14 G, 22 A) in 82 games the lowest production since his rookie season. He would go unsigned after being unable to secure a spot with the Vancouver Canucks due to lack of cap space.
After a full year off from play, he's likely a bottom-six forward, or 13th forward on the depth charts for whoever signs him. If he chooses to forego his Iron Man streak of 1,064 games which could only be passed by Brent Burns he could land a deal.
Kessel hasn't been off the ice, since his last Stanley Cup win with the Vegas Golden Knights. He's kept a standard route on the ice and practiced with the Abbottsford Canucks up until the fallout of the deadline deal.
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