Will Phil Kessel sign with the Penguins? Is he a Hall of Famer? Mailbag, Part 1 ·

02 Jun 2024, 00:00

Even though it’s been really warm the past couple of weeks, have you noticed that it’s getting a little cooler at night? That’s when you know. It’s almost hockey season.

Pittsburgh Penguins training camp arrives next week in Cranberry, and, before we get into the grind of daily coverage, it seemed like an appropriate time for a mailbag. Here’s Part 1.

Does Phil Kessel have a Hall of Fame case? — @dalton_mack

Ah, Phil. Everyone’s favorite free agent. Everyone’s favorite three-time Stanley Cup champion.

So, does Phil have a Hall of Fame case? I suppose he does. He’s a fascinating study, actually.

Let’s make the case:

Three rings
NHL’s all-time Iron Man
Presuming he gets a job this season, he’ll pass the 1,000-point mark for his career
413 goals
He’s one of the great big-game players of all time and probably was the 2016 postseason MVP
He overcame cancer at a young age to become an excellent player

Let’s make the case against him:

He’s never been a top-five player in the NHL
When he was the best player on a team, victories were scarce
He’s very unlikely to reach 500 goals, which is often (but not always) a Hall of Fame clincher
He’s never scored 40 goals in a season, nor has he ever recorded 100 points in a season
I know everyone hates this stat, but he’s been a minus player in 14 of his 17 seasons and has never been a good two-way player
His post-Pittsburgh years have been a pretty big disappointment

I’ll show up in Toronto if he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame someday. I’d love to write that article and I think he’s an interesting case. But my instincts tell me that Kessel isn’t a Hall of Famer. He may well have been on track after the Penguins’ second Cup, but his numbers really dwindled in his 30s.

But then again, if Kevin Lowe is in the Hockey Hall of Fame, how does Kessel not belong? I’m a big believer that the Hall of Fame should be for the true, all-time greats. I don’t put Kessel in that territory. But sure, he’s better than some players who are in the Hall. That’s a fact.

Any chance Kyle Dubas brings Kessel back for a final go-around? — @em_dee3

I just don’t see it. If Kessel had aged better, maybe. But for all that we love to joke about “everyman Phil,” etc., let’s be honest, he doesn’t take care of himself physically the way others do, and that’s why we’ve seen such a substantial regression in his recent play.

Would the Pens consider load management for their aging roster? — @AlexMay985

Every time this question has been raised, Mike Sullivan basically rolls his eyes. So, unless his thinking has changed, I wouldn’t expect the big boys to get any nights off if they’re healthy.

That said, the Penguins should really think about it. We saw Sidney Crosby look tired in March last season, words I’ve never typed before. We saw fatigue in Evgeni Malkin’s game, too.

If the Penguins are comfortably in playoff position come March — and yes, that’s a massive if, given the quality of the Eastern Conference — they should rest some of their big names. I’m not so sure they will.

Erik Karlsson is one of the best PP QB’s in the game. So, what do they do with Kris Letang? Do they put him on PP2, or run a power play with two point men? — @Itsspelledgraig

I believe they will both start the season on the top unit largely because Jake Guentzel is going to miss most of October. So, who plays where? My guess is Karlsson at the point and Letang on the left wing wall.

The Penguins will experiment with many different looks in camp and in the early portion of the season. We will all talk about it enthusiastically every time it happens, but think about it: They should be exploring different looks with Karlsson on the roster. The real question is what happens when Guentzel returns. Don’t be shocked if Letang is placed on the second unit. He might not like it, but it might be for the best.

Is this year’s Pens team significantly better than last year’s? — @TriviaPGH

It’s definitely better. Significantly better? Perhaps. The top six is a wash with Reilly Smith replacing Jason Zucker. Both are good, similar players.

The bottom six should be considerably better in the defensive zone and should also be slightly more proficient offensively. That’s an upgrade.

The blue line should be way better. You’re replacing Jeff Petry and Brian Dumoulin with Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves. That’s a huge, huge upgrade.

If Tristan Jarry is healthy, I think he’ll be better.

So, on paper, they’re a lot better. How many more points? Your guess is as good as mine, but I do think they’re a playoff team.

Any Karlsson interactions that you’ve had since being on the Pens beat? — @skiab94

I’ve encountered him over the years because the Penguins and Senators have danced in the playoffs many times. In my dealings with him, I’ve really liked him. Very pleasant. I think fans will like him quite a bit. He can get a little ornery with the media after losses, but hey, that’s the sign of a competitor. I think he’s a good guy and I like him.

My favorite thing about Karlsson — those who know him better than me in Ottawa will confirm this — is that he never lies. He just tells it how it is. You have to appreciate that.

What team do you think will surprise? And what team will disappoint? — @yy67045767

I could see the Florida Panthers taking a massive step back. I give them credit for what they did last spring, but they barely made the playoffs and a lot of things went their way. Still probably a playoff team. Probably. But I’m not sold on them.

The Colorado Avalanche are suddenly way, way under the radar. Don’t count that team out. They could win it all again.

What’s a good story that you’ve heard from Bob Errey? — @GSnyder5

I don’t know if I have a story that sticks out, but I’m sure going to miss him around the rink. One of my favorite people. A genuinely good guy and someone whose enthusiasm for hockey and the Penguins is so authentic.

I’m really not a big fan of this decision, especially that the Penguins waited until September, which makes it really hard to get jobs in the hockey media for this season.

What is your favorite movie set or filmed in Western Pennsylvania? — @Expittriate

Gotta go with “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh.” Look it up if you haven’t seen it. The cast is legendary.

What is your favorite wing spot in the city or beyond? Do you even like wings? — @duffelbagforevr

Do I even like wings? Oh, I like wings, pal.

I really like Big Shot Bob’s. They have locations all over the city and they’re terrific. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for in this case.

Hi Mr. Yohe, who would win in a fight between Marty McSorley and Jimmy from the 1989 epic “Road House?” — @kurri_jari

Well, if the fight were on ice, I’d give Marty the big edge. As I recall, Jimmy struggles when water is nearby, and ice is frozen water.

But, head to head on land, I’m going Jimmy. He was a born killer and gave Dalton everything he could handle. I don’t know if Jimmy ever befriended guys like Marty when he was in prison, but regardless, Jimmy was a machine.

I am new to the South Hills area. Which are your favorite bars/venues to catch a Penguins game? —@B_Bode_72

I’m a terrible person to ask because I’m theoretically paid to attend and write about said games. Thus, I almost never watch games in bars. So, I’m going to open this one up to anyone who wants to comment below.

We do have a sports bar or two in this town, so I’m guessing you’ll receive some good suggestions.

Thanks for all of the great questions everyone. Enjoy the last few days of summer. Part 2 of the mailbag is coming soon.

(Photo of Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

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Will Phil Kessel sign with the Penguins? Is he a Hall of Famer? Mailbag, Part 1

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