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Beloved NHL veteran Phil Kessel signs surprising new deal outside the NHL

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated 10/9/24

Phil Kessel still wants to return to the NHL, but in the meantime, he's got other ventures going on, announcing a surprise new deal in recent times.

Over the past 18 months, many fans have waited desperately for Phil Kessel to return to the NHL, and even as late as this summer, he made it clear that he will do what it takes to make a return. Despite many PTO's being given out this summer, Kessel wasn't among them, and now at 37-years of age, one has to wonder if we've seen the last of the Ironman in the league.

In the meantime, the beloved forward has signed a new deal, becoming a brand ambassador for the World Poker Tour, turning a 20-year passion into what could now be a huge partnership.

"I'm incredibly excited to work with WPT Global. I have been an avid poker player for over 20 years, and a huge fan of the World Poker Tour."

In late September, reporter Nick Barden reiterated that Kessel's camp desperately wants a return with the new season upon us, but for now, it looks like he's expanding his partnerships beyond the hockey world.

'Phil The Thrill is still open to coming back, if the fit is right.'

In Kessel's last NHL season with the Vegas Golden Knights, the talented forward tallied a solid 14 goals and 36 points in what was yet another 82 game campaign, showing that he may not be as young and quick he once was, but can still score the puck. It's unclear what his future in the NHL will be, and if Kessel hangs up the skates what his future in hockey could potentially become, so for now it appears he's simply staying ready and enjoying his passions.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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