He arrived in the National Hockey League described as brash, a prima donna and self-focused. He was an early contender to be selected first overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, but questions about his character and work ethic dropped him to fifth overall, where the Boston Bruins were happy to take the former Minnesota Golden Gopher.
Two months into his rookie season, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Less than a month later he returned to the Bruins and promptly went on to record a hat trick in the 2007 Young Stars Game in Dallas. His perseverance in fighting cancer and return to the NHL made Kessel a feel-good choice as that season's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner.
It seems that Phil Kessel has grown up and become a budding star in the NHL and is one of the reasons that Bruins are on fire right now in Boston. I also believe that Kessel is one of the pieces to the puzzel in winning a Stanley Cup.
This is the same Phil Kessel that was touted as having explosive speed, great vision, and hockey sense before he entered the NHL in 2006. After a few speed bumps, we're finally seeing the hype come to fruition, despite being benched in last year's playoffs for being a liability on defense.
"There were growing pains for me my rookie year," Kessel said recently. "This year, it's clicking a little more. I think part of it has to do with my line mates, setting me up in good spots."
Kessel and fellow line mate Milan Lucic are both having career seasons thanks to being setup by assist-specialist Marc Savard.
The kid is 21-years old and obviously matured after a wake up call from testicular cancer.
More good news for Phil Kessel as he is given an award by the NHL.
Phil Kessel Named NHL's First Star of the Week
December 15, 2008
BOSTON, MA - The NHL announced today that Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel was named NHL's First Star of the Week for the week ending December 14.
Kessel tallied eight points with three goals and five assists in four games last week and extended his point streak to 15 games. Kessel helped lead the Black and Gold to a 3-1-0 record, which improved their Eastern Conference-leading mark to 21-5-4. Kessel notched one goal and one assist in a 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay December 8, registered an assist in a 3-1 loss at Washington Dec. 10, tallied a goal and two assists in a 7-3 win at Atlanta Dec. 12 and closed the week with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over the Thrashers Dec. 13
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