Kessel, who turns 32 on Oct. 2, the day before Arizona's season opener at the Anaheim Ducks, said he's willing to lead in whatever way is needed.
"I'm not a rah-rah guy, to say the least," he said. "I just want to be a good guy. Guys can relate to me, and I like to have fun. If they want to talk hockey, I like to talk hockey too. But all in all, just enjoy ourselves first and foremost because if you enjoy yourself you can play your best. Be loose and be prepared to play."
Kessel said he's looking forward to having fun in Arizona after a tumultuous end to his time in Pittsburgh. He helped the Penguins win the Cup in 2016 and 2017 but had two points (one goal, one assist) when Pittsburgh was swept by the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference First Round last season. After the loss, GM Jim Rutherford said he needed to make some changes. Kessel, who has a limited no-trade clause, had vetoed a trade before being sent to Arizona, Rutherford told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh.
"You never know you're going to get traded, (but) you can always sense when your time maybe has come to an end," Kessel said. "I had a great four years there. But I'm really looking forward to the opportunity in Arizona, looking to prove myself again, show people what I've got. You always want to prove yourself and have a good year and have a big year, and hopefully we can do great things."