Phil Kessel was reportedly close to signing with Oilers rival

Now at the halfway point in the NHL season, one free agent still looms unsigned despite multiple reports of interest across the league. With 1286 games played and 992 career points, 36-year old Phil Kessel remains a free agent.

According to a recent report from Rick Dhaliwal of the Donnie and Dhali Show, the Vancouver Canucks were close to signing Kessel this offseason, but talks fizzled out.


It's wild to think that Kessel's career could've continued with the Canucks this season, especially now considering how successful they've been this year. At most, Kessel could've added some scoring in the bottom six and an addition on the second power play unit, but in reality, Kessel doesn't bring much to any team at this moment - and it's not likely that Kessel would be willing to sign with a team like the Blackhawks just looking for warm bodies on the roster.


Kessel is believed to still be holding out for an NHL contract for this season, but has been beginning to field offers from teams in the Swiss Elite League. Still, he's not ready to give up on playing in the NHL this season.