If you ask any hardcore hockey fan about their most beloved player, they’ll tell stories about how Phil Kessel ate hot dogs from the Stanley Cup. Either that, or they’ll talk about him heroically overcoming testicular cancer as a rookie. Everyone’s favorite player has many stories that transcend hockey itself.
It’s not to say that he doesn’t deserve these accolades. After all, he’s the reigning Iron Man in the NHL. However, he doesn’t have a job right now. There is also a need for scoring depth for the defending champs. It sounds like a match made in heaven.
With that, here are some benefits–and problems–with adding the legend to the Golden Knights. What does Kessel add to the defending Stanley Cup champions by returning? What issues will Vegas have with him on board?
Pro: Phil Kessel’s scoring prowess
Currently, the Golden Knights are in the midst of a scoring slump. They’ve been shut out in three of their last seven games going into Tuesday’s game against Edmonton. In that same span, they’ve only won two games, raising some concerns among fans. Who can help Vegas in its time of need?
Never fear because Iron Man is here! Kessel brings 413 career goals and 579 career assists to the table, making him a reliable scoring option. He may not be Tony Stark, but everyone’s favorite hot dog man can serve some nice plays to teammates.
In fact, last season wasn’t bad for the three-time Stanley Cup champion. He scored 36 points in a limited role, with nine of those points coming on the power play. There might still be a role for Phil the Thrill on the Golden Knights, specifically as a veteran leader with a quick release.
Con: Phil Kessel’s age
While he has some offensive value, he’s slowed down with age. Looking at the three-time Stanley Cup champion’s stat line, you’ll notice his production declining later in his career. Gone are the days where he regularly chips in 25+ goals, not seen since his 2018-2019 campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins (27).
This has also led to our protagonist’s shot percentage slowly shrinking. Since his four-year tenure with the Penguins (11.2%), Kessel’s shooting has declined as well. Just look at the drop in production after leaving Pittsburgh in 2019:
- Three seasons with the Arizona Coyotes: 9.5%
- One season with the Vegas Golden Knights: 9.4%
Keep in mind Kessel’s 36 years old and has lost some pep in his step. He also tends to handle the puck a bit too much, which can get him in trouble. What Vegas doesn’t need now is more puck trouble. Instead, they need better scoring chances.
Pro: Kessel brings other benefits to the table
While the legendary NHL star isn’t much of a prolific goal scorer now, there are some other things he did well in Vegas last season. For example, Kessel blocked 28 shots during his Golden Knight tenure, making it the second-highest of his career (he had 30 in 2013-2014 with the Toronto Maple Leafs).
Bruce Cassidy’s strategy revolves around everyone blocking shots and taking away shooting lanes, which included Kessel’s services last season. Granted, he has 315 in his career, which isn’t much. But he adapted to his new role nicely, making him effective in another aspect.
There have also been talks about Vegas being a player for Patrick Kane’s services. While the former Hart Trophy winner is a better offensive weapon, he’ll come at a price. Plus, the former Blackhawk isn’t as durable as Kessel, who’s also the cheaper option.
Con: Where do you put him?
While having numerous offensive weapons can be a good problem to have, it hurts when many of them aren’t producing at all. That leaves the question of where the 2006-2007 Masterton Trophy winner should go.
Should Keegan Kolesar get benched? What about William Carrier? Brett Howden? The thing with the Knights is they’re looking to avoid getting too old. That’s part of why Reilly Smith was traded in the offseason; the former Misfit was 32 years old and was on his three-year, $15 million deal. He wasn’t getting any younger, either.
That’s also why Kane isn’t of much consideration for the Golden Knights, either. Sure, he’s a good offensive weapon. However, his age (35 years old), along with the former Blackhawk being undersized, wouldn’t make him a fit for the Golden Knights.
The verdict on Phil Kessel
Here’s a fun fact for you. Last season, the Vegas Golden Knights started off red-hot, winning 13 of their first 15 games. They went through a similar slump after that run before winning the Stanley Cup. They did the same thing this season before their current slump.
While many fans want to hit the panic button and worry about this slump, they should keep last season’s start in mind. That’s especially true when asking to bring back Phil Kessel. As much of a fan favorite as he is, there isn’t much of a spot for him… for now.
Vegas should give this a month before revisiting this question. They might’ve resolved their scoring woes by then, where they might not have a need for scoring depth. Plus, they can explore this option if they lose one of their key offensive threats.