Unrestricted free agent Phil Kessel has made it known he’s willing to sacrifice his current iron man streak to play in the NHL during the 2023-24 season, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
In 2022-23, 35-year-old veteran winger put up 36 points in 82 games, marking the lowest point total of his career since his rookie season with the Boston Bruins, but he broke Keith Yandle’s record games played streak of 989 in October. Kessel now holds the all-time mark at 1,064.
Despite suiting up in just four playoff games for Vegas over the course of its Stanley Cup run, Kessel kept his iron man streak alive due to the fact only regular season games count towards the record. Kessel has not missed a regular season outing since Oct. 31, 2009.
The fact Kessel has communicated to organizations he is willing to concede his iron man streak to secure another NHL contract may improve his chances of receiving an opportunity to play in the NHL this upcoming season.
Kessel has been one of the NHL’s most intriguing players throughout his 17-year career, which can be attributed to the adversity he has faced. From battling testicular cancer to overcoming his often-critiqued tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, there’s been no shortage of challenges for Kessel to overcome.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion has collected 413 goals and 992 points in 1,286 career games. Kessel also has six 30-plus goal seasons and four 80-plus point campaigns to his name. With the winger putting up a combined 22 goals over his last two seasons, one must wonder if another NHL team takes a flyer on the veteran as training camp approaches. The iron man streak no longer being Kessel’s primary concern should up his chances of potentially receiving an NHL contract.
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