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Phil Kessel puts hockey aside to become a professional poker player

Originally posted on Dose.ca | By Michael Johnson | Last updated Oct 10, 2024 5:50 PM ET

Phil Kessel’s last NHL game was on April 24, 2022.

He still wants to make a comeback, but was unable to do so last season after receiving an invitation from the Canucks.

The veteran didn’t even receive an invitation to attend a camp for the 24-25 season…

While waiting for the phone to ring (if it ever does), Kessel has found a new occupation.

Via a post on his Instagram account, we learn that he’s becoming an ambassador for World Poker Tour Global and will be taking part in professional poker events/tournaments in the coming weeks.

Interesting:

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phil Kessel (@phil_kessel_81_)

There’s one thing I wonder when I hear this news.

Will Kessel find time to train if he really wants to play in the National League again? Or could his new project mean that his career is officially over?

As a final reminder, Kessel still holds the record for most consecutive games played in the NHL, having played a total of 1,064 consecutive games between November 2009 and April 2022.

His streak is still active, by the way. He played all 82 games for the Golden Knights in the 22-23 season:

(Credit: Hockey DB)

As you can see in the photo above, Phil Kessel’s career is well decorated.

He has three Stanley Cup rings, almost 1,000 career points in the National League (992) and four seasons of 80 or more points behind the tie.

What I mean by that is, if Phil Kessel decides to retire to concentrate on other things (like his poker career, for example), he’ll be able to boast about having had a wickedly good NHL career.

Overtime

– He’s been smoking.

Sam Montembeault last night:

– 48 saves on 48 shots
– 5.82 goals saved above expected (!!!)
– stopped all 10 high-danger shots against
– largest opening night shutout in NHL history

Basically the most chill way you could ever start the season. pic.twitter.com/9MggGb6PXI

– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) October 10, 2024

– Love it.

Stars coach Pete DeBoer on defending Stamkos on the power play: “This is my 17th year of seeing him there. We’ve tried a lot of different things. A lot of coaches have. It’s hard to defend. He does it better than anybody in the world other than maybe Ovechkin. We’ll have a plan.

– Robby Stanley (@RStanleyNHL) October 10, 2024

– Patrik Laine tries to stay positive.

Patrik Laine on how he tries to remain positive mentally while recovering from his injury. pic.twitter.com/rCRL4ze556

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 10, 2024

– Raphaël Lavoie was placed in the waivers today (yes, again) and should be claimed by a team by tomorrow.

Lavoie should be claimed tomorrow and in an NHL lineup this weekend. #Source https://t.co/1mAbtOR9kM

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) October 10, 2024

– Sad news.

The Canadiens extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of former Hab, Donald Marshall.

News release↓https://t.co/bWnNaGqScT

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) October 10, 2024

– Of note:

The @cfmontreal and @CanadaSoccerFR will play a friendly match tomorrow at 11:00am at the Nutrilait Centre.

Unfortunately, the match will be played behind closed doors.

Waterman, Saliba and Sirois will face their clubs.

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) October 10, 2024

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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