The Vancouver Canucks announced today that unrestricted free agent forward Phil Kessel would be working out this week in Abbotsford, presumably with the Canucks AHL squad. Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin told the media that the three-time Stanley Cup champion would be taking reps in the Vancouver area in what could become a reunion of sorts between Kessel, head coach Rick Tocchet and much of the Canucks management group. Kessel, Jim Rutherford, Tocchet, and Allvin won two Stanley Cups together with the Pittsburgh Penguins and could be the favorites to do the same in Vancouver.
Kessel has surprisingly remained unsigned despite being the NHL’s reigning Iron Man. He sits just eight points shy of 1000 for his career and was still productive last season posting 14 goals and 22 assists in 82 games on his way to a third career Stanley Cup.
Kessel has remained adamant that he wanted to continue playing and it looks as though he could do so if things go right in Vancouver. The 36-year-old isn’t the offensive threat he once was, but he remains an excellent passer and should have enough in the tank to be a good depth scoring option and a power play specialist.
His best years came in Pittsburgh while Tocchet was an assistant coach for the Penguins. He and Kessel appear to share a special relationship, and it seems that Tocchet has always been able to help Kessel find another gear in his game. If Kessel can show he has enough left in the tank and sign a contract, it could add another redemption arc to the Phil Kessel story.
Tocchet and Kessel are buddies, If Vancouver signs him It’s a complete favor to Kessel and embarrassing!
Yeah, but you embarrass us and we still keep you around (though we have tried to move you). :D
Love Phil. Love Jimmy. Love Tocchet.
This is a mistake. Not a good fit.
I think he would just be insurance, playing in Abbotsford to start and then fill in when they need to rest other guys. No risk.
Hot dog vendors in Vancouver are getting excited!
That someone got Phil to workout is an accomplishment all on its own! :D
Lol. It’s actually gonna be a hotdog eating contest!
This is about Phil the thrill getting a 1,000 points and nothing else.
What a dumb way to think. Guy is by all accounts a great teammate and has 3 rings. One of the best teams in the league isn’t gonna be signing him to grab 8 points and have a celebration. Regardless of his relationship with the FO and coaching staff, if they bring him in he might play some middle 6 and be a locker room veteran presence with a winning pedigree.
He was a healthy scratch last season in the playoffs, SMARTIN’UP!
FYI. Vancouver will fold in the playoffs ! Honestly! Who raised you?
Not everything is a conspiracy Wilf.
He is not a locker room presence and his work ethic leaves a lot to be desired. 3 rings doesn’t make you a good teammate or leader.
Not at all, Just facts, Tocchet and Kessel are friends, Kessel wants to get to the 1,000 point mark, Tocchet probably reached out to Allvin and agreed to a tryout, Not hard to connect those dots!
Amusing to watch you pretend to be an insider. How do you know that he is not a good locker room presence? Has one teammate every said this? Work ethic? The guy has played 1286 games in the NHL, producing 992 points and his teams have won far more games than they have lost. Guys with no work ethic don’t do that.
To be fair, Wilf does not really think. He reacts emotionally and facts are not his friend. Thinks every guy over thirty should be out of the league except the amazing Tomas Tatar.
I live in Toronto and I have my own sources. I will just say I’m connected. Guy would be happy to wear sweatpants and eat weiners all day. Not negating his skill but he’s not a vocal leader or a big influence in any locker room. His work ethic, based on former teammates, not my own eyes, suggests he’s a bit lazy.
Not claiming to be anyone except someone who possesses common sense to a level that I’m able to connect these simple dots.
It’s about the 1000 points. He needs 8 points and I’m sure his buddy is going to help him achieve that – they lead the league and can afford to do it. Nothing wrong with it, but let’s not make excuses. The guy likes his hot dogs and carries an attitude. It’s who he is.
Idk man, Wilf and the Toronto guy with “sources” seem to have the expertise on this. *rolling eyes hard*
So firsthand accounts from his teammates isn’t a credible source, how about his doctor? Or former coaches and teammates? I’m not here to impress you. I’m just pointing out some errors in thinking he’s a leader. Not to take away from the human, who in himself, is a great guy. He is not very vocal and you won’t see him being the first and last at the gym. Don’t pretend he’s something else.
Did you see the Kessel workout in Abbotsford? The hunch and glide skate, Funny and embarrassing. Looks like I was right again.
Phil overcame cancer at a young age to go on to win 3 cups. Truly an inspiration
It sounds like a chick flick.
You’d know since you’re the expert on that genre.
Good one!
That’s a lowball move ;)
In 1997 the Red Wings signed Joey Kocur out of a beer league. I seem to remember him scoring a goal straight out of the penalty box in that playoff run. A lot of us love these stories. Who knows… but if Phil does sign, then score, I hope he has a fresh dog to pull out in a Celle. And I’m not referring to the one connected to him.