Report: Former Maple Leafs Forward Phil Kessel Could Play in Switzerland While Awaiting NHL Opportunity
Kessel hasn't appeared in a game since April 24 during the Vegas Golden Knights' playoff run.
Phil Kessel will play hockey this year, though it might not be in the NHL yet.
The 36-year-old forward has had trouble finding an NHL home this season after scoring 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games last year with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Kessel holds the NHL's Ironman streak, appearing in 1,064 consecutive regular season games. He's reportedly been training in Arizona as he awaits an NHL deal, but according to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, it seems like the three-time Stanley Cup champion wants to get into some game action right away.
"Free-agent Phil Kessel still awaiting an NHL opportunity and that door hasn’t closed," LeBrun posted on X. "But in the meantime, hearing that he’s looking into maybe playing some games in Swiss League. Nothing decided yet."
Kessel was a part of the Vegas Golden Knights' Stanley Cup-winning team last season but only appeared in four playoff games with the club, tallying two assists. He has three Stanley Cups, one with Vegas in 2023 and two with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the 36-year-old has informed teams that he's okay with breaking his Ironman streak to help the team that he's on win games.
Kessel spent six years in the Maple Leafs organization, suiting up for 446 regular season games and scoring 181 goals and 213 assists for 394 points. He appeared in seven playoff games for Toronto, tallying four goals and two assists in that span.
Related
News from THN.com