The Vegas Golden Knights introduced the signing of one of many largest names nonetheless accessible on the free agent market: ahead Phil Kessel. Per the staff announcement, Kessel signed a one-year deal value $1.5M. Per CapFriendly, Kessel’s contract features a modified no-trade clause, one that enables Kessel to checklist 10 groups he’s eligible to be traded to.
CapFriendly at present has the Golden Knights as greater than $7M over the cap, however that’s with gamers corresponding to Robin Lehner, Laurent Brossoit and Nolan Patrick on common injured reserve, somewhat than long-term injured reserve. Each Lehner and Patrick are anticipated to overlook everything of the 2022-23 season, which means their absences give Vegas the bandwidth beneath the cap so as to add Kessel and re-sign RFA defenseman Nicolas Hague.
Kessel, who will quickly flip 35 years previous, has spent the previous three seasons enjoying for the Arizona Coyotes. In his 208-game profession with the Coyotes, Kessel has posted 133 factors, which is a wholesome 52-point 82-game tempo.
Noting an 82-game tempo with Kessel’s manufacturing is particularly related on account of the truth that he’s at present the NHL’s reigning “Iron Man,” which means he has gone 982 video games straight with out lacking a contest, a steak that dates again to November 2009.
It’s positively attainable that his steak might pose a lineup dilemma for brand new coach Bruce Cassidy if Kessel struggles in Vegas. Cassidy has the popularity of demanding loads from his gamers, and Kessel’s infamous apathy to the defensive aspect of the sport might land him in scorching water if he’s not scoring. Nonetheless, Kessel stays a proficient sufficient offensive participant to confidently mission as a contributor in Vegas subsequent season.
