Report: Kessel willing to sign PTO, ironman streak not a factor

Free-agent forward Phil Kessel is willing to sign a professional tryout if the fit is right, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

Kessel, 36, didn't play last season after going unsigned. He worked out with the Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate in February, but general manager Patrik Allvin opted against signing the veteran.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion hasn't played since April 24, 2023, during the Vegas Golden Knights' first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets. He tallied 14 goals and 36 points in 82 regular-season contests that year.

Kessel owns the NHL's all-time ironman streak. He's played 1,064 consecutive games dating back to Nov. 3, 2009, with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kessel's streak remains active despite not playing last year as he wasn't under contract.

His camp has told teams not to be concerned with the streak and that he's willing to play a part-time role, according to LeBrun.

Kessel is eight points away from reaching 1,000 for his career. He has 413 goals in 1,286 games split between the Boston Bruins, Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Golden Knights.