Canucks reportedly interested in signing former Coyotes F Phil Kessel

Since leaving the Vegas Golden Knights after winning his third Stanley Cup of his career, former Arizona Coyotes forward Phil Kessel is still searching for another opportunity in the NHL.

Kessel joined Vegas on a one-year contract last year and completed a full 82-game season, scoring 14 goals and posting 36 points. During the Golden Knights’ playoff run, he played four times.

The 17-year NHL veteran may not have the same speed that he once did earlier in his career but could be a serviceable piece on a young team who need experience.

However, that may all change after recent reports suggest that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in signing the free agent.

On the Move?

Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal spoke on his sports talk show Donnie and Dhali about the prospect of Kessel joining Vancouver.

“I can tell you right now that the Canucks still talk and discuss (about) Kessel,” Dhaliwal said. “They keep in contact, regular contact, with his agent. They like his experience, what he has done in the past. He’s got a relationship with (Rick) Tocchet.”

“Now, the big issue: conditioning. He has not played in eight months, he only played four playoff games for Vegas last year when they won the Stanley Cup. That will be Kessel’s biggest issue. Are you in shape? Kessel doesn’t cost you anything. It’s a gamble, yes, but there are no assets to be given up, it’ll be a cheap price. The Kessel decision from what I have been told is not far away, some say soon. Not sure where this goes, but the Vancouver Canucks are poking around Phil Kessel.”