Ex-Bruins forward would end Ironman streak to continue career (report)

Phil Kessel remains an unrestricted free agent and he wants to continue playing in the 2023-24 NHL season. And he’d be willing to give up his Ironman streak if it meant finding a new team.

According to SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman, the former Boston Bruins forward would sacrifice his current streak of playing in 1,064 consecutive games in order to continue his career. Friedman noted this detail is important because, “ending these streaks causes enormous stress if there is not buy-in from the player.”

Kessel hasn’t missed a game since the 2009-10 season. He broke Keith Yandle’s record of 989 consecutive games played in October 2022 while a member of the Golden Knights. He’s the only play in NHL history have played at least 1,000 straight games. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns is second in consecutive games played with 761.

The 36-year-old only appeared in only four playoff games during Vegas’ run to the 2022-23 Stanley Cup, but the Iron Man streak only counts regular season matchups.

Kessel has won three Stanley Cups in his career, going back-to-back with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, and winning this past summer with ex-Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy in his first year with the Golden Knights.

• All betting sites in MA will have promo codes for signing up. Don’t forget to check out BetMGM Massachusetts and DraftKings Massachusetts.

The forward potted 14 goals and 22 assists last season and is just eight points shy of the 1,000 mark. Kessel could still contribute to a team, and it will be interesting to see whether he garners interest since he’s willing to be an every day player.