Phil Kessel has just been suggested as a temporary replacement for Patrik Laine in the Canadiens' top-six
According to several reports, Kent Hughes will not attempt to replace Patrik Laine during his absence.
There will therefore be a gaping hole on the 2nd line, which Joel Armia, Alex Newhook, Alex Barré-Boulet, and Josh Anderson, among others, will try to fill.
Should the experiment turn catastrophic, Kent Hughes could have another option, although it would be temporary. He could very well bring Phil Kessel out of inactivity to offer him a chance to prove himself.
An opportunity for Phil Kessel in Montreal?
This is exactly what the man in question is looking for.
As Pierre LeBrun recently mentioned, the now 37-year-old veteran still has hope of playing in the NHL. He is still training and does not seem ready to hang up his skates.
Phil Kessel is not ready for retirement yet
«He is willing to sign a professional tryout contract if the situation is right. And one of the things his camp has made clear to teams who have called about him is that they shouldn't worry about his NHL ironman streak. That won't be an issue. He is open to a part-time role and not playing every game, and I think that's a significant shift from the past.»
- Pierre LeBrun
Even though he hasn't played a game since April 24, 2023, the option of adding him to the Canadiens' lineup isn't such a bad one.
In a limited role, strictly offensive, he could provide good services to the team while waiting for Laine's return.
Kessel has already shown that he's a great teammate. Even when scratched from the lineup, he played an important role in the Vegas Golden Knights' Stanley Cup victory. He accepted his role and was there, as a good veteran, to help the younger players and lighten the atmosphere.
Even though he's older and slower, the offensive aspect of his game would still be there. He tallied 36 points in 82 games in his last NHL season and has averaged 43 points per season since 2019.
For a potential Kessel signing, Hughes will need to convince him to delay his Poker Tour as a brand ambassador as he just signed a contract with the WPT tour.
At a minimum salary and with the possibility to end his contract, why not give him a chance? Would he be worse than Armia, Newhook, or Anderson?
