How acquired: Selected with No. 150 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Massachusetts (NCAA): 37 GP, 6-11-17; Springfield (AHL): 15 GP, 0-3-3
Kessel (6-2, 205) signed a two-year, entry-level contract March 27 and stepped right into the Springfield lineup. The 22-year-old had two points (one goal, one assist) in 18 AHL playoff games to help Springfield reach the Calder Cup Final.
"It was a great experience to get in and it's almost like a rookie season there," Kessel said. "You start and kind of see how a pro life is, to see how practices are, see how competition is obviously, and just have a better idea in the summer knowing you have to work on everything so you're even more prepared for the next season."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season