Dark Horse Team May WIn The Phil Kessel Sweepstakes

One of the biggest reasons that Phil Kessel's signing has taken so long relates to his Iron Man streak.

Currently, Kessel holds the record for most games played without missing one at 1,064 games. The last time that Phil Kessel was not part of a regular season game that his team played in was October 31st, 2009.

This streak had reportedly left teams apprehensive about signing Kessel as they did not want to break his streak. According to a recent report from Elliotte Friedman Kessel has now told teams he is open to ending the streak to continue playing in the NHL.

In an article written by Dan Dukart of the 1st Ohio Battery the Columbus Blue Jackets could make sense for Phil Kessel. The Blue Jackets are a team full of youth that is looking to contend. Kessel could bring leadership in a depth scoring role. On top of this, the Blue Jackets have some of the most salary cap space of any team in the league.

This could lead to a perfect match. The Blue Jackets could bring Kessel in on a fair contract. At the beginning of the year, they could allow him to continue his streak. If the Blue Jackets are good and Kessel is good he stays in the lineup. If they are good but Kessel is struggling the streak could end and Kessel could remain a big part of the locker room culture.

While Columbus might not be on the top of Phil Kessel's wish list of places to play it could be his best option. Helping a young team get back to the playoffs while continuing his streak sounds like a win-win all around.