Is NHL Ironman Phil Kessel a Hall of Famer?

There are some compelling arguments for enshrining him among the game's all-time greats, and just as many to keep him out. Ultimately, it will come down to the whims of 18 people

Perhaps it’s been the cryogenic chamber that has been the key to Phil Kessel’s durability.

When Phil Kessel steps on the ice for his first shift of the game tonight in San Jose, he’ll become the first Ironman in NHL history with a Dad bod. He may also become the last Ironman in NHL history because there’s a chance this is one of those records that will never be broken. The modern-day NHLer simply doesn’t show up for work every day for 13-plus seasons anymore, largely because it’s nearly impossible.

For 889 regular-season and 81 playoff games, Phil Kessel has done just that. Powered by Skittles and perhaps the occasional hot dog, Kessel manages to stay out of the fray just enough to remain healthy and an off-season injury from working out to hard is never going to happen. Say what you want about Kessel, but you have to give him a ton of credit for realizing what it takes to get your name in the annals of history. Most guys attain Kessel’s accomplishments by working their tails off and sacrificing their off-seasons. Kessel showed us there might be another way, provided you’re sublimely naturally gifted and powerful.