Penguins, Golden Knights Stanley Cup Champion Phil Kessel signs a new deal that surprises many in new sport
NHL veteran Phil Kessel signs a new contract and it's not in the sport of hockey or the NHL
Longtime NHL forward Phil Kessel has accomplished many incredible feats throughout his career, including what many dream of as kids- winning the Stanley Cup.
Kessel earned his Stanley Cup rings with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights. In the meantime of a NHL return, as he is an NHL free agent, Kessel has decided to venture off into.. another sport?
Many believed that Kessel would land a professional tryout deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, or other rebuilding organizations in need of a Stanley Cup champion to lead their youth to the winning ways- but Kessel was hopeless and did not receive any PTO offers.
Now, without being signed to a deal, Kessel has signed a deal with the World Poker Tour, revealing he's been an avid poker player for over twenty years.
The photo shown above, is Kessel many years ago competing at a poker tournament, now, as shown below, he is fulfilling his passion with his new signing announcement.
"I'm incredibly excited to work with WPT Global. I have been an avid poker player for over 20 years, and a huge fan of the World Poker Tour."
Said Kessel.
Just one month ago it was revealed by TSN's Pierre LeBrun that Kessel is prepared to make a NHL comeback, and his camp agency is getting desperate.
"The 36-year-old forward, who's won three Stanley Cups, with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights, didn't play last season but wants to make a return, and is even willing to end his Ironman streak. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading on Tuesday, the veteran forward is interested in signing a professional tryout, if that means getting a chance back in the NHL."
LeBrun continued to state the bottom line for Kessel and his camp:
"Speaking of guys on the sidelines, not ready to retire yet, how about Phil Kessel? We mentioned him a few times last year. He didn't play in the NHL. He wanted to. He is willing, still, to try and help an NHL team. He's willing to sign a PTO (professional tryout) if the fit is right," LeBrun said.
"And one of the things that his camp has alerted teams that have called about him is that, 'Don't worry about that Ironman streak.' It's not going to be an issue. He's open to a part-time role, not playing every game. And that's a pretty key departure from the past. So the bottom line is: Phil The Thrill is still open to coming back, if the fit is right."
With his poker journey underway, we wish the best for Phil The Thrill and hope he can land an NHL contract sometime soon.
POLL |
OCTOBRE 9 | 222 ANSWERS Penguins, Golden Knights Stanley Cup Champion Phil Kessel signs a new deal that surprises many in new sport Do you think Phil Kessel is going to be able to keep up with young NHL'ers like Connor Bedard if he makes a comeback? |
Yes | 57 | 25.7 % |
No | 165 | 74.3 % |
List of polls |
|
7 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour Just Ruined Luke Richardson's Chances at Finding New NHL Job |
|
8 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Blackhawks Looking to Move on From Forward Philipp Kurashev |
|
9 hours ago | By Alixandrea Gearey Chicago Blackhawks name Chris O'Hearn as vice-president of Hockey Operations |
|
10 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Blackhawks Connor Bedard makes a major revelation about teammate Lukas Reichel |
|
10 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds A major announcement involving the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings has been made, trade underway |
|
11 hours ago | By Sam Walker How these top 4 2025 NHL draft projections would fit into the Chicago Blackhawks lineup |
|
12 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds NHL Organization Faces Backlash Over Recent Pride Appreciation |
|
19 hours ago | By Sam Walker Former NHL veteran of 25 years, 1,600 games tragically passes away at age 70 |
Previously on HawksInsider