Penguins, Golden Knights Stanley Cup Champion Phil Kessel signs a new deal that surprises many in new sport
Photo credit: Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Now
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."
"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.
Previously on HawksInsider
| 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 | ||
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