February 13, 2024 | 8:21pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
KESSEL SET TO JOIN CANUCKS
Phil Kessel, forward
The Vancouver Canucks are planning to add some additional scoring depth up front in the form of free agent veteran forward Phil Kessel.
Kessel, 34, has remained an unrestricted free agent with hopes of joining a Stanley Cup contender. He met with the Canucks management brass today in Vancouver and will immediately join the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks.
“Phil has made his way to Vancouver and will be working out in Abbotsford this week,” Canucks GM Patrik Allvin said in a statement.
Kessel's stint with Abbotsford isn't expected to be too lengthy, I'm told. Fairly short timeline (well in advance of deadline day) before officially signing a contract with Vancouver. Until then, he remains a UFA. https://t.co/46HTBlnl5B
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 14, 2024
Citing a source close to the situation, TFP’s David Pagnotta reports Kessel’s timeline to officially join the Canucks on a pro-rated one-year contract is not expected to be too lengthy.
Kessel has played in 1,286 career NHL regular-season games with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes and Vegas Golden Knights, winning the Stanley Cup in 2016, 2017 and 2023.