The Arizona Coyotes will be without top scorer Phil Kessel for the next few weeks after he suffered a foot injury in his offseason training. Kessel’s current timeline is two to three weeks, as GM Bill Armstrong explained to reporters including Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports. Three weeks from today would mean a return on the eve of the Coyotes’ regular season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Missing a few weeks of training camp isn’t a big deal for most players, but remember that Kessel is currently on a streak of 900 consecutive games played. The veteran forward has played every single game in each of the last 11 seasons, starting his streak way back in November of 2009. That’s the fifth-longest streak in NHL history and could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t return in the expected timeline.
- Johannes Kinnvall of the Calgary Flames suffered a lower-body injury during the team’s prospect camp, and GM Brad Treliving described it as “significant” today at his opening press conference. The 24-year-old defenseman will not be able to participate in the main training camp, obviously a big blow to his chances of making the team to start the year. It was always a long shot, but Kinnvall has played extremely well over the last two seasons in the SHL, racking up 62 points in 83 games.
- Angus Crookshank suffered a major knee injury at the Ottawa Senators prospect camp and will require surgery. The young forward will miss the next four to six months according to GM Pierre Dorion, ending any bid he had of making the club. The 21-year-old Crookshank was a fifth-round pick in 2018, partly because of the competition he faced in the BCHL, but started climbing prospect charts with a strong three-year career at the University of New Hampshire. By the time he was joining the Belleville Senators earlier this year he was on a roll and instantly became a top offensive option for the team. In 19 AHL games, Crookshank registered 16 points, a level of production he’ll have to try to get back to after this long rehab.
Angus Crookshank is an awesome name.
Just wait for the Senators to pick Rutger McGroarty and put them on a line together.
(I know, they both play the left side, let me have some fun).
@Gavin – Gord Wilson & Dean Brown on line 1 for you… :)
Confess, here, Phil. You didn’t try to kick Amanda in the shins, did you?
Tripwire in front of the hot dog cart.
@Dave – With Amanda standing over the carnage, saying “See! I told you this would happen! Back-checking food, my ass!” :)
No. I think he may have dropped his 2 Stanley Cup rings on his foot.
@jmartin87 – Maybe two guys were trolling him. “Hey, I heard they’ll give you a couple of free dogs, just by showing a replica Cup Ring!” Phil thought “Crap! How many will they give me for showing them REAL rings?!”
Tell me you want to skip training camp without telling me you want to skip training camp lol.
Sounds like my boy Phil! If this guy put just a bit of effort into being in shape can you imagine how good he’d be? It’s crazy how he doesn’t seem to try and yet still a top player.
Phil liked AND was scared of Tocchet. Good luck getting any sweat out of him now.