Kessel signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Islanders on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.
Kessel had a consistent role with the Blues in the past two campaigns. He recorded two goals, an assist, 26 blocked shots, 22 hits and 10 PIM while averaging 12:32 of ice time across 29 regular-season appearances last year, production that was nearly identical to the 2024-25 campaign. He'll have the opportunity to compete for a role with the Islanders on a one-way contract for the 2026-27 season.
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Matt Kessel: Not qualified by St. Louis
Rotowire
Kessel did not get a qualifying offer from the Blues on Monday, according to PuckPedia.
Kessel, a fifth-round pick by St. Louis in 2020, appeared in 29 games with the team in 2025-26, posting two goals, three points, 22 hits, 26 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. The right-shot defenseman will likely be able to come to terms on a contract agreement with a new team July 1.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Playing time sparse
Rotowire
Kessel made just his fourth appearance in the last 18 games in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Devils.
Colton Parayko (back) was out Saturday, opening the door for Kessel to fill in. When the Blues are at full health, Kessel appears to be out of favor, with Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux most often filling out the defense. For the season, Kessel has three points, 13 shots on net, 12 hits, 15 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 23 appearances.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Nets game-winner Friday
Rotowire
Kessel scored a goal in Friday's 4-3 win over the Senators.
Kessel had been a healthy scratch for the previous two games. The 25-year-old is battling for ice time with Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux. Kessel is up to two goals, eight shots on net, five hits, six blocked shots and a minus-1 rating through 14 appearances, and even if he secures a steady bottom-four role, he likely won't produce enough in any area to help much in fantasy.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Scores in Tuesday's win
Rotowire
Kessel scored a goal on two shots in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Flames.
Kessel has played a part-time role over the first month-plus of the season. The 25-year-old was making just his eighth appearance of the season, and he was able to get on the scoresheet for the first time with a goal at 13:43 of the first period. He's added six shots on net, five hits, two blocked shots, four PIM and a plus-2 rating. Kessel's ice time is likely to remain low, as the Blues frequently lean heavily on their top-four blueliners, and he's firmly on the third pairing at best.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Assigned to AHL
Rotowire
Kessel was reassigned to AHL Springfield on Monday.
Kessel was a healthy scratch in Sunday's 2-1 win over Utah. He has three assists, 17 shots on goal, 20 blocked shots and 22 hits in 27 NHL appearances this season. If Nick Leddy (lower body) and Tyler Tucker (upper body) aren't available for Tuesday's game versus Edmonton, Kessel could return from the minors.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Logs helper Saturday
Rotowire
Kessel produced an assist in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Flyers.
Kessel put up three helpers over 13 appearances in November. The defenseman has been in the lineup regularly, but he's seen limited minutes on the third pairing. He's up to three helpers, 12 shots on net, 15 hits, 14 blocked shots and a minus-3 rating over 21 contests, averaging just 12:26 of ice time. Without a larger role, Kessel is not an option for most fantasy formats.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Gets on scoresheet with assist
Rotowire
Kessel logged an assist and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Lightning.
The helper was Kessel's first point in 10 outings this season. The 24-year-old defenseman has added eight blocked shots, six shots on goal, five hits, four PIM and a minus-3 rating. Kessel should have a little more job security in the short term, as Philip Broberg (lower body) is out 4-6 weeks, joining Nick Leddy (lower body) as injured St. Louis blueliners.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Recalled from AHL
Rotowire
Kessel was promoted from AHL Springfield on Sunday.
Kessel has logged just two assists in 22 NHL games this season. His last appearance at the top level was Feb. 24 against Detroit.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Demoted to minors
Rotowire
Kessel was reassigned to AHL Springfield on Monday.
Kessel lost his roster spot after Justin Faulk (lower body) was activated off long-term injured reserve. The 23-year-old Kessel has managed just two points in 22 NHL games this season while averaging 17:25 of ice time. The blueliner hasn't been significantly more productive in the minors, having notched two goals and four assists in 29 outings with the Thunderbirds.
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Blues' Matt Kessel: Seeking first NHL point
Rotowire
Kessel recorded two blocked shots across 13:00 of ice time in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Blues.
Kessel has played 10 NHL games over the past two seasons, but he has yet to post a point at the top level. Through eight games with the Blues this season, he has averaged 16:26 of ice time, firing six shots on net and blocking 18 shots. The 23-year-old blueliner has produced 42 points through 115 career games in the AHL.
