Free agent forward and three-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Kessel is in Vancouver and will work out in Abbotsford this week, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced Tuesday.
There have been rumours that the Canucks are interested in signing Kessel, who became a free agent after winning the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights last season.
Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK News reported that the Canucks’ plan is to evaluate Kessel in Abbotsford and, if all goes well, officially sign him.
Ever-watchful Canucks fans noticed the 36-year-old with his hockey gear as he arrived at Vancouver International Airport on Tuesday afternoon.
Kessel, who also has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins has connections with Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, general manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford from throughout his 17-year tenure in the NHL.
“I think Jim, the last couple [days] was talking to his agent and he’s going to go down there and skate for two or three days, see how he is down there and we’ll reevaluate from there,” Tocchet told reporters in Chicago following the Canucks’ 4-2 win. “I’ll have to see how he’s skating down there [in Abbotsford].”
Tocchet admitted to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox last week that he was surprised Kessel was still on the market.
“There’s value in Phil,” Tocchet said. “I think he can still play, 100 per cent.”
The NHL’s all-time leader in consecutive games played, Kessel appeared in all 82 regular-season games for the Golden Knights last season, with 14 goals and 22 assists. In the four games he suited up for in the post-season, he registered two points.