Report: Phil Kessel wants to play during 2024-25 season

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman via 32 Thoughts the podcast, veteran winger Phil Kessel is interested in playing during the 2024-25 season and is hopeful to land a tryout for training camp.

Camps open next week as the season is right around the corner. There's been a lot of talk about certain players who are left unsigned and deserve at least a PTO. Kessel is certainly one of the more infamous free agents left on the market. 

Kessel turns 37 in October and last played during the 2022-23 season when he suited up for the Vegas Golden Knights. Kessel dressed in all 82 games, scoring 14 goals, collecting 36 points. The Madison, WI native is only 14 games away from 1300 and eight points away from 1000 for his career.

Kessel is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and while he's not suited for a checking role, is certainly someone who could flourish with some power-play time and spot duty in a team's top six. Kessel is loyal to his brand and knows how to get himself in the right positions to be effective offensively.

Who cares about the debate Phil Kessel can’t get a goddamn PTO

— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) September 11, 2024

As for potential suitors, the Minnesota Wild is an intriguing destination option as the team is searching for more offense and will need to be creative financially. Honorable mentions include the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins.

Photo credit:   Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images