Phil Kessel to Join the Blackhawks as a Mentor for Connor Bedard? A Report Has Emerged and It is a Likely Possibility
Phill Kessel has reportedly been eager to make a comeback to the NHL this season but so far he hasn't gotten any luck. That may soon be changing though as one young team looks to add some veteran leadership to their squad.
Kessel Seeking Return To NHL
The 36-year-old winger had been adamant that he still wants to play in the NHL this season. He has even gone so far as to state that he is willing to end his league-leading ironman streak of over 1000 consecutive games played in order to facilitate a deal. Lately, new reports have confirmed that the three-time Stanley Cup Winner is eagerly awaiting his next opportunity.
It seems like the time for Kessel's return may be close now as one NHL team suddenly find themselves in a desperate need for veteran voices in the locker room.
Blackhawks Looking To Add Kessel For Veteran Leadership Role?
Since the Blackhawks lost Taylor Hall due to injury and Corey Perry due to contract termination, the team is now left with a depleted core of veterans to mentor the young team. This has lead many to believe that the team could be targeting free agent forward Phil Kessel to add some of that veteran leadership back to the squad.
The 36-year-old has never really been known as a leader, but he certainly brings a level of experience and tenacity as both a three-time Stanley Cup champion and the NHL's leading ironman. Surely he would have a few tips and tricks to share with the Blackhawks young core, including Connor Bedard. Who knows, maybe he can even be an effective offensive player for the Hawks. Last season he still managed 36 points with the Golden Knights despite playing 4th line minutes.
Whether or not the team pulls the trigger on Kessel remains to be seen, but it certainly couldn't hurt. The fit seems right too, so what are the Blackhawks waiting for?
As seen on Phil Kessel Replaces Corey Perry As Connor Bedard's Mentor?
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 8 | 144 ANSWERS Phil Kessel to Join the Blackhawks as a Mentor for Connor Bedard? A Report Has Emerged and It is a Likely Possibility Should the Blackhawks sign Kessel? | ||
| Yes, the team needs veterans | 64 | 44.4 % |
| Sure, why not | 52 | 36.1 % |
| No | 28 | 19.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Jason Robertson | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Chandler Stephenson | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Sebastian Aho | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jalen Chatfield | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Mikael Granlund | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Roope Hintz | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Wyatt Johnston | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Montour | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| William Nylander | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Mitch Marner | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Jaden Schwartz | - | 2 | 2 | |
| John Tavares | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Jamie Benn | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Evgeny Dadonov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Yanni Gourde | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Pontus Holmberg | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Fraser Minten | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Ryan Poehling | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jack Roslovic | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Daniel Sprong | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Hurricanes | 18 | 14 | 4 | - | 28 | |
Capitals | 18 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 27 | |
Wild | 18 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 27 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Devils | 21 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 17 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 19 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 25 | |
Stars | 18 | 12 | 6 | - | 24 | |
Golden Knights | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 24 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||