Vancouver Canucks Elect Not To Sign Phil Kessel For Remainder Of The Season
The three-time Stanley Cup Champion had been skating in Abbotsford for the past few weeks.
Photo by Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports - Vancouver Canucks Elect Not To Sign Phil Kessel For Remainder Of The SeasonDespite constant rumours, the Vancouver Canucks decided not to sign Phil Kessel before the NHL trade deadline. As per general manager Patrik Allvin, there were multiple factors behind the decision, including "being in LTIR, roster complications and how we want to play." The move would also force the Canucks to place a player on waivers once Dakota Joshua returns to the lineup.
Kessel has a long relationship with Vancouver's management group. Rick Tocchet coached him with both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes, while Jim Rutherford was the general manager who brought him to Pittsburgh in 2015. He also had some experience playing with Teddy Blueger, as the two won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights last season.
Now 36, the question moves to whether this is the end for Kessel. If so, it was a Hall of Fame career, which included winning three Stanley Cups and being the first player in NHL history to skate in over 1,000 consecutive games. A unique talent, he sits third in his draft class with 992 points in 1,286 games.
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