Rumours Of Former Bruin returning have been shutdown
In a twist that caught many off guard, seasoned winger Phil Kessel, known as the NHL's Iron Man, has made a surprising decision. He's willing to break his impressive record of playing 1,064 consecutive games to secure a place on an NHL team for the upcoming season. The Boston Bruins, who selected Kessel fifth overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, appear as a potential landing spot. However, several factors cast doubt on this intriguing possibility.
Despite Kessel's eagerness to return for the 2023-24 season, the Bruins face significant hurdles that may hinder his comeback. As the team ushers in a new era, integrating young talents and bidding farewell to key figures like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Kessel's experience as a respected leader with the Vegas Golden Knights, who clinched the Stanley Cup, adds an interesting dynamic to the equation.
The Bruins grapple with a surplus of wingers and a shortage of centers, making Kessel's role uncertain. His recent performance, tallying 14 goals and 22 assists during the regular season and two assists in four playoff games with the Golden Knights, might not outshine the potential of current bottom six wingers on the Bruins' roster. Moreover, with a focus on nurturing young prospects and the addition of veteran winger Alex Chiasson, Kessel's arrival could impede opportunities for emerging players.
Financial constraints also loom large. Even if the Bruins contemplate signing Kessel to a contract with minimal salary and bonus incentives, their projected salary cap space, as reported by PuckPedia, is a meager $416,667.
The history between Kessel and the Bruins plays a pivotal role. Their previous separation due to a contract dispute left lingering tensions that might be challenging to overcome. Kessel's trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs yielded draft picks that didn't yield the desired outcomes for the Bruins, adding complexity to the potential reunion.
While the notion of Kessel returning to Boston carries a touch of irony, the blend of roster dynamics, financial restrictions, and past history cast doubt on this reunion's feasibility. Although the ingredients for a compelling full-circle narrative are present, the prevailing obstacles make this outcome seem remote.
Source Bostonhockeynow
| POLL | ||
1 SEPTEMBRE | 157 ANSWERS Rumours Of Former Bruin returning have been shutdown Do you think Kessel would be a good addition for the Bruins? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 37.6 % |
| No | 98 | 62.4 % |
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