Phil Kessel has made a decision, signing with a new team

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
December 16, 2023 (2:30 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

At 36 years old and with 1286 games played in the NHL, things have been looking bleak for Phil Kessel in free agency. Throughout the season, Kessel has been trying to garner a contract from an NHL team, but the circumstances haven't aligned for that yet.

Now concerned with falling out of game shape, Phil Kessel has finally made a decision to sign with a team - even though it didn't fully line up with his wishes. According to insider Pierre LeBrun, Phil Kessel is reportedly close to signing with a team in the Swiss Pro League.

Hopefully it's not the end of Kessel's NHL career, but even if it is, it's great to see him go out still playing the game he loves at an elite level elsewhere. For Kessel, it must be a hard decision to relent to the lack of contract offers and look to play overseas.

Kessel could still be an effective player for some contending teams, proven by the fact that he was a Stanley Cup Champion just last year with the Golden Knights. Kessel played all 82 games with them last season, recording a respectable 14 goals and 36 points, but he only suited up for four playoff games. Still, his elite shot and release hasn't diminished with age, and he could still be playing in the NHL this season if an opportunity arises.