Why Phil Kessel is intriguing free agent option for Canucks ahead of trade deadline
The Vancouver Canucks have an interesting opportunity to explore before the NHL trade deadline on March 8th, and surprisingly, it doesn’t involve making any trades.
Phil Kessel is currently practicing with the Canucks’ minor league team in Abbotsford this week. If the 36-year-old unrestricted free agent demonstrates that he still possesses skills beneficial to the team, the Canucks could potentially acquire a player with three Stanley Cup victories without having to trade anyone from their primary roster, which currently holds the top position.
Phil Kessel sighting as he takes the ice in Abbotsford! 👀
Wait for the “no move”… 😅 pic.twitter.com/kDMiDYN7kp
— BarDown (@BarDown) February 15, 2024
When news about Kessel’s trial with the team emerged, Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin provided a brief statement, mentioning, “Phil has arrived in Vancouver and will be participating in workouts in Abbotsford this week.”
Following a 4-2 triumph over the Blackhawks in Chicago on Tuesday, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet offered further insight, stating, “He will spend two or three days skating there. We’ll assess his performance during that time and make further decisions accordingly.”
Canucks consider signing free agent Phil Kessel
Certainly, Tocchet is well acquainted with Kessel, having coached him for two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes and during his time as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins when Kessel played a key role in winning consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.
Phil Kessel looking absolutely gassed at times during his first skate with the Abbotsford #Canucks. A conditioning stint is clearly warranted for the 36-year-old if he's going to play in the #NHL this year. More tonight at 6 on @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/4kNnThnYc4
— Ben Miljure (@CTVNewsBen) February 15, 2024
This familiarity presents a significant advantage for the Canucks, but Tocchet still needs to assess Kessel’s current abilities. Despite Kessel’s recent contributions to the Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup victory, there are doubts about his suitability for the Canucks’ lineup. His limited ice time during the playoffs and being designated as a healthy scratch by Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy raise concerns about his role as either a top-six or bottom-six forward.
The Canucks already boast strong depth in their forward lines, including the addition of Elias Lindholm and notable performances from players like Conor Garland. With Kessel’s potential role limited by the team’s existing depth, the question arises whether he fits into their roster at all. However, his availability at the league minimum salary and his wealth of experience as a three-time Cup champion are definite advantages.
Considering Kessel as a depth option provides insurance against injuries or underperformance within the top-nine forward group. Despite his declining goal-scoring numbers in recent seasons, his extensive NHL experience could prove invaluable, even if he needs to rely more on muscle memory than raw athleticism.
Similar decisions have been made by other Western Conference teams, such as the Edmonton Oilers signing Corey Perry and the Colorado Avalanche signing Zach Parise, both veterans with limited recent playing time but valuable playoff experience.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how Kessel’s potential acquisition would unfold for the Vancouver Canucks, but there’s undoubtedly much for general manager Patrik Allvin and coach Rick Tocchet to consider.