Phil Kessel Expected To Sign With The Vancouver Canucks
Phil Kessel is coming back! And geez, Jim Rutherford sure loves getting ex-Penguins in Vancouver. The three-time Stanley Cup winner is expected to sign with the Canucks ahead of the trade deadline tomorrow afternoon. There was lots of flirting, but Chris Johnston recently provided some important insight:
Not trade related, but it sounds like things remain on track for Phil Kessel to sign with the #canucks before tomorrow's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 7, 2024
He needs to be on their reserve list by that time in order to be eligible for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Kessel last played in Game One of last year’s playoffs with Vegas. His ironman streak is somehow still intact and he rode the press box en route to yet another Cup. It’s not entirely clear where in the lineup he will play, since Rutherford is definitely still trying to make some more moves between now and Friday at 3pm. Regardless, a rested and motivated Phil the Thrill is not a terrible reinforcement. Even in a down year last season he put up 36 points in his sleep. Give this guy some powerplay guy and a center that dishes the puck and he’s still good for some goals.
It is currently a dream season in Vancouver that has no signs of stopping. Atop of the Pacific Division, they recently locked up franchise star Elias Pettersson. It is no secret that they are looking to go all in for 2024. It’s tough because teams like Vegas and Colorado are also right there in the mix. But, you can’t fault Jim Rutherford for trying.
Another Pittsburgh Reunion?
On the subject of Rutherford, it looks like he is trying to bring in another piece from that 2016-2017 squad. Jake Guentzel is very much on his way out of Pittsburgh, and of course you know GMJR is involved. So much so that they might even deal out former rental Elias Lindholm to make it happen. It would be absolutely bonkers, but it could definitely help a team like Boston that could use another center. There could potentially be a full former Penguins line with Guentzel, Kessel, and Teddy Blueger!
Phil Kessel is finally returning in the NHL, and he is staying in the Pacific Division. The Vancouver Canucks are adding him ahead of their push for the Stanley Cup.
