After a long playoff run resulted in Phil Kessel’s first ever Stanley Cup victory, the 28-year-old forward dealt with the consequences. It was announced earlier this offseason that Kessel would undergo surgery to repair a lingering issue in his hand that had been bothering him all season. A recent update indicates that Kessel is currently dealing with a “bone chip,” but isn’t expected to miss any time.
Little "bone chip" for Kessel. Won't golf today. May skip some practices. But believes he'll be ready Day 1 of the regular season.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) September 20, 2016
Kessel joined the Penguins via trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. In his first year with the team, Kessel scored 26 goals and 59 points in 82 games. Those numbers are similar to Kessel’s point total from the season before with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but history indicates he can be even better next year. In his second year with the club, Kessel will undoubtedly be looking to reclaim his status as a shoe-in for 30 goals. He’d previously hit that mark in five consecutive full seasons, not counting his 20 goals in 48 games in the lockout-shortened season of 2012-13.
Kessel has been incredibly durable throughout his career, appearing in every game over the last six seasons. Fortunately for the Penguins, Kessel’s injury shouldn’t have any lingering effects heading into the season as the Madison, Wisconsin native believes he’ll be ready for day one of the 2016-17 regular season.
Brandon Share-Cohen has covered the NHL and various professional sports for six years. Working with The Hockey Writers, Brandon works extensively on covering the Boston Bruins in addition to his role as the News Team Lead.
