Former Flyers rival on brink of landing with contender

As the trade deadline approaches and NHL teams aim to add the finishing touches to a roster that can make a deep playoff run, one NHL veteran and Stanley Cup Champion appears to be the target for one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Tuesday night saw talks of a perfect union heating up.

17-year NHL veteran, three time Stanley Cup Champion, and former Flyers rival Phil Kessel appears to be headed to the Vancouver Canucks, as general manager Patrick Allvin announced on Tuesday night that Kessel will begin workouts.






Despite being 36 years old, Kessel is looking to bring veteran leadership and add his fourth Stanley Cup to his resume as the Vancouver Canucks are poised for a playoff run, sitting atop the entire Western Conference this season.

Kessel has played for five teams throughout his NHL career, most recently winning a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Kessel saw the best years of his career in his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2016-2019.

While in Pittsburgh, Kessel won two Stanley Cups alongside Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and Evgeni Malkin, recording over 70 points in three of his four years in Pittsburgh.

Kessel's best year with Pittsburgh came in 2017-18 where he recorded 92 points on 58 assists and 34 goals. With Kessel bringing veteran leadership and playoff experience to Vancouver, could Kessel be seeing his fourth ring?