However, in recent years, his age and conditioning has caught up to him. The last time we saw him play was with the Las Vegas Golden Knights, where he was a small part of their Stanley Cup run in 2023. While he was a healthy scratch during the most important games, he still got his ring, which is pretty impressive nonetheless.
Last season, he was supposed to sign with the Vancouver Canucks but it fell through due to salary cap issues. It was unfortunate, and Kessel has been looking for a new opportunity ever since.
Today, Elliotte Friedman's 32 Thoughts was released to the public, and within it, he noted that Phil Kessel is officially looking to make his return. However, Kessel is not married to the idea of having to play in the NHL. Instead, he is interested in playing anywhere that would take him.
The one place he is not interested in is Major League Hockey, although that league has been delayed by a year. Having said that, only time will tell where he decides to play next.
Do you believe that Kessel can still play NHL hockey? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world.
Source: Josh Erikson/Pro Hockey Rumors
Phil Kessel Still Hoping To Play This Season
POLL | ||
Do you believe Phil Kessel can still play in the NHL? | ||
YES | 34 | 43.6 % |
NO | 44 | 56.4 % |
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