Phil Kessel becomes a natural target for top contender

Phil Kessel remains unsigned and many rumours have swirled about his potential next deal. While the veteran forward has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, there is now another team getting in the mix.

Flames Nation believes Kessel is a natural target to bolster Calgary’s wing and while GM Brad Treliving’s summer has been quite busy, he might not be done yet. Flames Nation wonders if Treliving should tend Kessel an offer despite his age and decline in production.

“Is Kessel still the first-line forward he was during his days in Toronto and Pittsburgh? No, he certainly is not — and the Flames wouldn’t need him to be. They have Huberdeau, Mangiapane, and even Toffoli for that.”

Kessel is a forward who has experience winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and could fit in with the Flames who have made the moves this offseason to go further into the postseason next spring. He could bring great support up front to a new line of forwards : in three seasons with the Arizona Coyotes, Kessel put up 42 goals and 91 assists. He is 34 years old, but still has gas in the tank!

The Flames currently have a little more than $2 million in salary cap space, and Kessel likely won’t break the bank on his next contract. He might be more focused on keeping his Ironman streak alive and playing his 1,000th consecutive game this season.

Only Kessel can make the call, though I would love to see him sign with a contender giving him a shot at another championship. One thing is sure though: hockey fans all want to see him back in the NHL next season.