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NHL Rumors: Phil Kessel might not be ready to start season

ByDave Stevenson|
May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After having offseason hand surgery, Phil Kessel might not be ready to start the 2016-17 NHL season. 

Phil Kessel’s offseason has been very short. Such is life for a Stanley Cup champion. While Kessel will happily take a short offseason if it is due to winning a Stanley Cup, his short offseason might has a downside. Kessel had offseason surgery on his hand after battling the injury throughout the playoffs. He hasn’t had much time to rehab from it though, which means that he might not be ready to start the season.

Obviously, Kessel can’t play if his hand is not 100 percent healthy. Having a strong grip on your stick is extremely important for a hockey player and anything that might weaken one’s grip could significantly hamper one’s game. Considering how important Kessel’s hand is, the Penguins will likely keep him out until they’re sure that he’s ready to play.

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Kessel is one of the league’s best goal scorers and favorite personalities, but the Penguins have what it takes to survive without him short-term. Considering their salary cap situation, they likely aren’t going to pursue any free agent options.

Their most likely solution is to call up 2015 second round pick Daniel Sprong. Sprong played in 18 games last season with the Penguins, scoring two goals. While he was clearly outmatched as an 18-year-old, he is now one year older and one year wiser. He had 46 points, including 16 goals, for the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL last season.

Sprong joined the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins for the AHL playoffs last season. In 10 playoff games, Sprong had seven points. He has the skill set necessary to replace Kessel. On paper, his speed and creativity should help him fit in with Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino on the Penguins’ third forward line.

Kessel is not expected to miss too much playing time.

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