Phil Kessel’s role with the Coyotes is not what you think
By Jim Lynch
Throughout most of Phil Kessel’s career, he has never really needed to be “the guy”. Which is why when he came to the Coyotes there was no reason that was going to change.
When the Arizona Coyotes traded Alex Galchenyuk to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Phil Kessel many fans assumed the team was trying to add to their goal scoring ability as a team. While that is not wrong, adding a player like Phil Kessel brings more to the team than just goals.
Phil Kessel is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. Out of every forward in the Coyotes locker room, he has the most experience to help the team succeed. Kessel also adds to the power play for the ‘Yotes. In each of the last two seasons, he netted twelve power-play goals a season. That is a great addition to a team that has struggled on the PP.
Fans expected Kessel to come in and become “the guy” in Arizona. The same way a team like Edmonton has McDavid or Chicago has Kane, people expected Kessel to be the Coyotes guy. That just would not make sense for how Kessel plays.
Arguably the best play of Kessel’s career came in Pittsburgh, and yet he never led the team in goals or points. Kessel is not going to be your top goal scorer, but he might be your second or third best.
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We talk about the experience that Phil Kessel brings to the table already. Kessel has a lot of experience and has played in all different types of situations during his 14 year career and counting. Kessel is an influential part in the Arizona locker room. He is a mentor to players like Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz as they continue to age into the NHL.
You are not just given an A on your jersey for being one of the best players in the league. Something like that is earned, and Kessel earned it. Phil Kessel is one of the assistant captains in Arizona.
While he might not like to talk to the media about the games and he might not play at a point per game level pace anymore. That still does not change the fact that Phil Kessel is a valuable piece to the Arizona Coyotes. Even if his role is just being a mentor to younger players and being a voice of reason in the locker room.