Phil Kessel has spent the last couple of days skating with the Abbotsford Canucks. While the Vancouver Canucks have yet to sign him officially, there is an expectation that it could come soon.

Phil Kessel has spent the last couple of days skating with the Abbotsford Canucks. While the Vancouver Canucks have yet to sign him officially, there is an expectation that it could come soon.

According to Rick Dhaliwal, "I was told that the intention is that Kessel has to pass a series of checkpoints on and off the ice over the next six to seven days. The Canucks need a good indication that he can handle the pace of the NHL."

Kessel's pace and game shape have been a topic of discussion since he first stepped onto the ice with Abbotsford. 

Head coach Rick Tocchet has said publicly that the team is in no rush to sign Kessel. While on the Chicklets Cast on Wednesday, Tocchet said Kessel is in the "first phase" of skating. 

After the morning skate yesterday, Tocchet spoke again about the plan for the future Hall of Famer.

"He's going to have to go down to Abbotsford for a while and see where he's at. He's been out for about 10 months," Tocchet told Brendan Batchelor. "He's got a great pedigree. It's just a look. We'll see what transpires."

He also said that it is a "free look" at Kessel. The Canucks aren't taking up roster space, cap space, or creating a lineup clog with Kessel skating with Abbotsford. 

Kessel will continue to work with the Canucks AHL affiliate to get into game shape for a chance at continuing his NHL career. 

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