3-Time Cup Winner Phil Kessel Planning Next Move

He has three Stanley Cups under his belt, and a very impressive 17-year NHL career that included 11 consecutive 20-goal seasons and the all-time Ironman mark. But thus far, no team has come calling on free agent Phil Kessel, so at the age of 36, he's planning his next move, which might be to head overseas.

Free-agent Phil Kessel still awaiting an NHL opportunity and that door hasn’t closed. But in the meantime, hearing that he’s looking into maybe playing some games in Swiss League. Nothing decided yet.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 16, 2023

Kessel passed up going to an NHL camp on a professional tryout agreement this past fall, but has kept in shape skating at his home base in Arizona. According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, Kessel is considering possibly playing some hockey in the Swiss League to get in game shape. No decision has been made as of yet. 

In the meantime, his record Ironman streak is still technically active. With a current streak of 1,064 consecutive games played, Kessel even suggested in the offseason he'd be willing to let go of the streak to find a job with an NHL team that wouldn't have to be committed to sustaining his streak on a nightly basis. But so far, it hasn't come to be.

"He’s just looking to sign somewhere and keep playing," said Insider Chris Johnson on the CJ Show, "and if that team wants to... not dress him on back-to-back nights or... (have him) kind of as an extra forward, I think he’s open to some of those opportunities."

Kessel had 14 goals and 36 points last season (in 82 games, of course) for the Vegas Golden Knights, and earned his 3rd Stanley Cup ring for his efforts. He has 992 career points in 1,286 games, with 413 goals and 579 assists. 

Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports