Vancouver Canucks Show Interest in Signing NHL Veteran Phil Kessel Before Trade Deadline
Phil Kessel, the veteran NHL winger who is currently a free agent, is actively seeking to join a team before the trade deadline on March 8. According to a report by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun in The Athletic last Wednesday, several teams have expressed interest, including the Vancouver Canucks, as noted in a recent report by Rick Dhaliwal.
Despite not having played since Game 4 of the Golden Knights’ first-round victory over the Jets in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 36-year-old has diligently maintained his conditioning by consistently skating on his own. This dedication to staying in shape has continued throughout the offseason and into the current regular season. Regarding the Canucks’ interest, head coach Rick Tocchet commented on Phil Kessel last week, stating, “There’s value in Phil, I think he can still play, 100 percent.”
Kessel contributed 14 goals, 22 assists, and 36 points in a bottom-six role with Vegas last season. However, by the time the playoffs arrived, he was no longer a regular in the lineup. One factor complicating his contract negotiations this season was his reduced playing time, along with concerns about potentially breaking his Ironman streak if he were signed and then not played.
Could Kessel Be a Good Fit for the Canucks?
For a team seeking players with Stanley Cup experience, Kessel presents an attractive option. He is expected to come at a reasonable price, boasts nearly 1,300 games of NHL experience, and possesses three Stanley Cup rings, along with a history of strong playoff performances. The Canucks’ current playoff position may be one of the reasons behind their renewed interest in acquiring him.
