Phil Kessel, the NHL’s all-time Ironman, has once again demonstrated his remarkable durability and consistency by completing another 82-game regular season with the Vegas Golden Knights. This marks the 11th such campaign of his illustrious career. Kessel’s astonishing streak of appearing in 1,064 consecutive games began on November 3, 2009.
Originally drafted 5th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2006 NHL draft, Kessel has played for the Maple Leafs, Penguins, Coyotes, and now the Golden Knights. During his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Phil contributed to the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. Additionally, he was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in the 2006-2007 season.
Throughout his career, Phil Kessel has participated in 1,286 games, scoring 413 goals and providing 579 assists, resulting in a total of 992 points. This season with the Golden Knights, Kessel managed to net 14 goals and 22 assists, contributing 36 points in 82 games.
Kessel’s ability to consistently stay healthy and perform at a high level for over a decade is nothing short of extraordinary. As fans and fellow players alike marvel at his impressive streak, questions arise about how long the Ironman can maintain his unbroken string of appearances past this season, with the record already set at over 200 more games than any other active player with a ironman streak going.
