Potential hints on where Phil Kessel could play next season

Fans are still waiting to see where veteran forward Phil Kessel will sign in order to keep his Ironman Streak alive. The 34-year-old remains an unsigned unrestricted free agent though some rumours have linked him to different clubs around the league.

On Tuesday, insider Craig Morgan reported that Kessel attended the Arizona Coyotes’ informal skate, which got fans wondering if he was considering re-signing with the Yotes.

It’s been mentioned in the past that Kessel could choose to stay in Arizona. While his production dropped considerably after being traded to the Coyotes by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019, he is sure to keep his Ironman Streak alive on the young roster.

However, the tweet also listed other players that attended the informal skate in Arizona and fans quickly noticed that Toronto Maple Leafs’ superstar Auston Matthews was present.

“Huge group of players on the ice for Coyotes’ informal skate today including UFAs and players from other teams such as Auston Matthews, Tage Thompson (local kid), Riley Stillman, Brad Richardson, Ryan Dzingel, Phil Kessel and Mark Kastelic.”

Kessel has not only been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, but also his former team, the Maple Leafs in Canada. We all know how general manager Kyle Dubas likes to bring own veteran players with experience.

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!

So, will he stay in Arizona or sign elsewhere ahead of the 2022-23 season?