Phil Kessel Opens Up on NHL Return

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Julien Trekker
November 2, 2023 (11:59)

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Phil Kessel has recently shared his thoughts on a possible comeback to the NHL and his intense desire to keep playing the game he loves.

Kessel Eagerly Awaits NHL Return, Maintains his Shape

As the season progresses, Phil Kessel remains a free agent, stirring speculation about his next move. Despite rumored negotiations with multiple teams, he remains unsigned as of November, which may signal waning interest. Kessel shed light on his situation in a conversation 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?"

Indeed, Kessel's experience, including his Stanley Cup victories and scoring capabilities, makes him an attractive addition for many teams. Yet, the challenge remains as teams navigate the constraints of salary cap space, making it difficult to bring him on board.

Kessel Approaches Major Milestone

Kessel's name is already etched in the NHL records as the current Iron Man with the longest active playing streak. Now, he is on the cusp of another milestone: he's just 8 points away from reaching the illustrious 1,000 career points, a goal that undoubtedly fuels his determination to play.

"NHL Milestones
1000 points

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

We can't wait to see if Phil Kessel will hit the ice this season and where that could be!

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

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