Having taken a year off from NHL play, Kessel would likely be viewed as a bottom-six forward or an extra skater on most teams. Despite this, he's maintained his training regimen, practicing with the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks. If Kessel is willing to forfeit his ironman streak of 1,064 consecutive games-a record only challenged by
Brent Burns with 843 games-he might have an easier path to securing a role. With Kessel's desire to play and his ongoing conditioning, he remains an intriguing option for teams seeking veteran depth.