One of the biggest surprises in the NHL free agent market has to be that Phil the thrill Kessel is still available. While these last few years haven't been Kessel's best, one must remember he was playing for the Arizona Coyotes and putting up 50 points on that offensively challenged team is definitely an accomplishment.
A lot of it has to do with the salary cap, however, Kessel is hoping to be signed before the season starts as his eyes set on the NHL's Ironman streak. Kessel is just 7 games away from tying Keith Yandle who holds that streak at 989 games.
Oiler General Manager Ken Holland is trying to build off the run the Oilers made last season, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Adding Phil Kessel's leadership will definitely help as he's won two Stanley Cups in his career.
