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Phil Kessel’s sequence doesn’t matter: all he wants to do is play.

Admittedly, it’s a little hard not to like/respect Phil Kessel.

1,064 consecutive games played in the NHL is unheard of… And it takes character to get there.

Kessel is nearing the end of his career and is currently without a contract for next season. He’s as committed to his consecutive game streak as any other guy in his position…

But Kessel is ready to put it aside to find a job “somewhere” in the big leagues, and he’s made that clear to the various NHL GMs.

Further proof of just how much he eats field hockey.

Phil Kessel will celebrate his 36th birthday in October (on the 2nd) and, like most players his age, he’s starting to slow down considerably.

His 36 points (14 goals) in 82 games last season with the Golden Knights are a case in point.

But Kessel has (and always has had) the qualities to help a team at certain levels in particular, such as on the power play. He’s a powerplay specialist because of his vision and the quality of his wrist shot, and any Stanley Cup contender needs a guy like him.

That said, he’s appreciated throughout the NHL for who he is. Jason Demers, who worked with him in Arizona, describes him as a great guy in the dressing room:

Add to all this the fact that Kessel has won the Stanley Cup three times and knows what it takes to go all the way. That should attract the various teams on the Bettman circuit, sooner or later…

I don’t expect him to get a job tomorrow, but I think he will between now and the start of the season.

Let’s not forget that there will be positions opening up with the injuries that will occur at the various training camps. That should help him in his search.


In gusto

– Well, well, well. Speak of the devil.

– I can’t wait to see him in action.

– Wow.

– Attention CEGEPs:

– Does it feel like the end?

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