Kessel working out with Canucks, could sign ‘if all goes well,’ broadcaster says

Published Feb 13, 2024 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 2 minute read

Phil Kessel of the Vegas Golden Knights hoists the Stanley Cup after a win against the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 13, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo by Christian Petersen /Getty Images

Phil Kessel’s pursuit of 1,000 NHL points might be resuming on the West Coast.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Article content

The former Toronto Maple Leafs sniper is in B.C. to work out with the Pacific Division-leading Canucks, according to Vancouver-based broadcaster Rick Dhaliwal, and possibly sign with the team “if all goes well.”

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“Last week, I said the Canucks were poking around (on) Kessel,” Dhaliwal said in a post on his X account. “Well, there’s a great relationship there with (Canucks head coach) Rick Tocchet, (hockey operations president) Jim Rutherford and (general manager) Patrik Allvin as well.”

The Canucks confirmed the news minutes later in a post on X.

Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin on Phil Kessel:

“Phil has made his way to Vancouver and will be working out in Abbotsford this week. “

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 14, 2024

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“Phil has made his way to Vancouver and will be working out in (nearby) Abbotsford this week,” Allvin said, according to the Canucks’ X account.

Vancouver (35-12-6 heading into Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks) decided to go with younger players after taking an interest in Kessel during the summer, Dhaliwal said, but have since emerged as a Stanley Cup contender thanks to a league-best 76 points and .717 points percentage.

A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Kessel would provide even more scoring depth to a team that boasts all-stars Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser and just welcomed former Calgary Flames playmaker Elias Lindholm to the lineup.

Recommended from Editorial

Phil Kessel willing to sacrifice record ironman streak, but will an NHL team sign him?

WARMINGTON: Phil Kessel sticks it to haters with Stanley Cup hat trick

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

The Canucks are not the only team interested in Kessel either, Dhaliwal said, adding that “three to four teams have kept in touch with Kessel’s agent Wade Arnott throughout this entire process, obviously including the Canucks.”

Kessel hasn’t played an NHL game since winning his third Cup last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, with whom he scored 14 goals and added 22 assists in 82 regular-season games.