Phil Kessel could be close to signing with a Canadian team

It looks as though conversations linking the Edmonton Oilers to two-time Stanley Cup Champion and current UFA winger Phil Kessel have graduated to the next level. Oilers GM Ken Holland confirmed that he had held discussions with Kessel's agent, Wade Arnott, last week and that the conversation could lead to a potential deal for "Phil the Thrill" to become an Oiler.

Kessel is coming off of a 52-point campaign at 34 years of age, which shows that he still undoubtedly has plenty of hockey left in him. For a team like the Oilers, who play a run-and-gun offense and try to outscore their defensive inefficiencies, Kessel would fit right in.

Obviously, at this stage in his career, Kessel is no longer a top line player, but he could be a good middle six fit for the Oilers and, according to themugnhl on Instagram, it sounds like if a deal does get done, it could be in the 1 year, $1M range.




Kessel has appeared in 1204 regular season games during the course of his career, splitting time with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes. He has amassed 399 goals and 956 points over that span.

Kessel is also the owner of the 2nd longest iron man streak in NHL history with 982 consecutive games played. He is poised to break the record this season held by Keith Yandle, who played 989 games in a row before having his streak snapped by the Flyers last season.