Canucks Set to Sign Phil Kessel

The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is almost here, and trades around the NHL are picking up rapidly. However, we have also been given some non-trade news, as NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that "things remain on track" for the Vancouver Canucks to sign veteran winger Phil Kessel before tomorrow's deadline. 

Not trade related, but it sounds like things remain on track for Phil Kessel to sign with the #canucks before tomorrow's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.

He needs to be on their reserve list by that time in order to be eligible for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 7, 2024

Kessel, 36, has been skating with the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, in hopes of landing a contract with Vancouver. However, given this latest report by Johnston, it seems that the three-time Stanley Cup champ will be landing a new deal. 

There is absolutely zero harm in the Canucks signing Kessel for the rest of the season. He will provide them with a skilled depth forward who has a plethora of playoff experience and success. 

Kessel spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he had 14 goals to go along with 36 points in 82 games. While he was not dominant offensively, he was still a quality secondary scorer for the Golden Knights, and he could be again once he is officially with the Canucks. 

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