Phil Kessel officially begins practicing with AHL team

Moments ago, Sportsnet captured Phil Kessel's first moments on the ice with the Canucks organization, as he was spotted practicing with the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks.

Now 38 years old, the three time cup champion and league-wide fan favourite will be making a tough comeback if he can return to the NHL this season. At his age, after not playing for so long, getting back up to NHL speed will be incredibly commendable if he's able to do it.




In 1286 career games, Kessel has scored 413 goals and 992 points along with his three Stanley cups. Even last year when he played for the cup champion Golden Knights, Kessel was a solid contributor to the team and played all 82 games - but not all playoff games.

With the Canucks, the team will be looking for Kessel to provide some veteran leadership and Stanley cup experience, as well as being an offensive producer in sheltered minutes in the bottom six and second powerplay unit. Coach Rick Tocchet, the current Jack Adams favourite, has plenty of experience with Kessel from his days in Pittsburgh and Arizona, and is vouching for his ability to contribute at the NHL level still. Right now it seems just a matter of time before Kessel joins the Canucks on an official contract.