After Further Review: Phil Kessel is Funny

Yes, it's true, former Golden Gophers and current Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel is a funny guy. Seriously, this is by far the funniest thing that I have seen this post season. So, if you having a bad day, this should give you a good chuckle.

It's Hard Being Phil Kessel

I have been watching the Phil Kessel trade unfold in the media the last couple of weeks and it's been interesting.

During my lifetime, I have not seen a player receive so much negative press. In fact, some of the stuff that has been written about him is downright malicious.

Here's some of the stuff that's caught my eye since Kessel was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After all he's been through, Kessel enjoyed his time in Toronto.

“Toronto was a place I loved, and it’s not easy leaving that, even with everything else,” he told writer Dejan Kovacevic. “That’s the first thought. And then after that, I just see (Wednesday’s trade) as a great opportunity to be part of something special in Pittsburgh with some great players. I’m excited.” (Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun)

Questions about Kessel's weight never seem to subside. Apparently, the hot dog vendor in his neighborhood is going to miss him.  Per self-proclaimed Kessel hater Steve Simmons:

The hot dog vendor who parks daily at Front and John Sts. just lost his most reliable customer.

Almost every afternoon at 2:30 p.m., often wearing a toque, Phil Kessel would wander from his neighbourhood condominium to consume his daily snack.

And now he’s gone. Just like that. The Maple Leafs could no longer stomach having Kessel around, the first player to be both punished and rewarded for the saddest Leafs season in history.

Another Toronto Sun writer thought it was time for Kessel to leave.

OK, let’s be clear, I’m not defending Phil Kessel, who was traded by the Maple Leafs to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

People who are close to the situation say almost unanimously that it was time for Kessel to leave.

But the question I have is, did it really have to get to this point? (Bill Harris, Toronto Sun)

Sports Net's Elliotte Friedman says that Kessel will be missed in Toronto.

At the end of the day, Kessel was traded because he was Toronto’s most marketable player they were willing to deal. He could get the best return, including cap space. Nothing else excited them and bringing back the same group was unacceptable to Brendan Shanahan. There’s no doubt this was unfulfilled potential for him and for the team. He’s a lightning rod, a polarizing figure and is responsible for that. But the toughest thing the Maple Leafs lose is a talented player who (for the most part) could ignore the market noise. You need guys like that in Canada, who either embrace it (Subban) or tune it out (Sedins). That’s hard to find. And I think there are some charities who will really miss him. He did a lot, very quietly.

Phil Kessel a Pengiun

It's Canada Day in Canada and in the NHL world, we have a blockbuster trade that sent Phil Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It doesn't look like the Penguins gave up much to get Kessel. Now Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will have another talented forward to play with.

Per Mike Johnston of Sportsnet.CA:

In return Toronto gets centre Nick Spaling, forward Kasperi Kapanen, defenceman Scott Harrington, plus first- and third-round picks from 2016. Toronto will retain $1.2 million of Kessel’s salary in each of the next seven seasons.

The Leafs are also sending forward Tyler Biggs, defenceman Tim Erixon and a 2016 second-round pick to Pittsburgh.

So, if you're a Leafs fan, do you like this deal? I think that the Penguins have committed a robbery against the Leafs.

Too soon? pic.twitter.com/Y1JP5oxXFq

— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) July 1, 2015

Toronto Maple Leafs trade Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh Penguins: The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded star winger ... http://t.co/1LiiRcIrId

— StayWithMe (@SWM_87) July 1, 2015

Every piece of the original Phil Kessel trade with Boston has been traded again. Kessel. Seguin. Hamilton.

— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) July 1, 2015

Here's the full terms of the Phil Kessel trade. Retained 15% of his salary as well, which is big. pic.twitter.com/amDcZQnRJb

— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 1, 2015

You've gotta really hate Phil Kessel to lose a trade to Jim Rutherford

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) July 1, 2015

8 Millon Reasons why Kessel won't be Traded Soon

After all of these years, Eklund is still putting out false rumors that lead nowhere at all. Eklund was right when Jonathan Toews signed, but I think it was the last time.

Update 225pm:
I'm hearing a very strong rumor right now that the Phil Kessel trade could go down as early as tonight. According to my source a few teams were close and while the price is very high, The leafs may move on that a bit to get this done so they can plan for the many other moves they have coming. The source went on to say the leafs will get multiple pieces and those pieces will help in some other deals. Also, don't rule out the New York Rangers. I wouldn't put them as a favorite, or even on the chart as of yet, but at least one source told me it's very possible

In all seriousness folks, in today's salary cap world, it's going to be very tough to move a player with an 8 million dollar a year salary. Second, it's Phil Kessel, who only plays offense. That's a lot of money for a one-dimensional player.

Of the eight teams that Kessel has said he will play for, six of them have serious salary cap issues. Minnesota just cut loose Matt Cooke.

Kessel 2.0

This past weekend, Bob McKenzie of TSN fame said that The Leafs might be looking to trade their star forward Phil Kessel. There's a problem, Kessel has a NTC and has listed eight teams that he would be interested in going to.

Bob McKenzie, TSN – Kessel's limited NTC is believed to include eight teams he can be traded to. Prior to the trade deadline, TSN reported those eight teams were believed to be: Boston; Chicago; Los Angeles; Minnesota; Montreal; New York Rangers; Philadelphia; and Pittsburgh.

Here's the problem, moving Kessel isn't going to be an easy feat. Kessel has seven year left on his contract that pays him eight million a year. Six of the teams on Kessel list have extreme cap space issues (Boston, Chicago, Minnesota, Montreal, Philadelphia,  and Pittsburgh).

Hooks Orpik, pensburgh.com --- Unfortunately for the Penguins, that $8.0 million cap hit is just too much to overcome. Kessel has been a productive player and would be in Pittsburgh, but his contract is a non-starter for a team that already has $25.45 million tied up to three players in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The Pens will have to look elsewhere to fill their need of adding a top-6 winger.

This begs the question, will the Leafs be able to find a team that will be able to take on Kessel's contract? It's going to be hard.


One Facebook, one of my friends also brought up another great point. Kessel is not particularly fond of  talking to the media. Most of the teams on Kessel's list has a very proactive media.

Phil Kessel goes off on Reporter

I don't blame Toronto Maples Leafs forward Phil Kessel for going off on that reporter. Reporters and media people ask difficult or silly questions sometimes, that's the nature of the game

That question sounded insulting, condescending  and I would classify it as a garbage question meant to upset Kessel.

Phil Kessel goes off on Toronto reporter who insinuates he’s to blame for Carlyle’s firing.. http://t.co/pIKIZGW18c #NHL #NEWS
— NHL News (@TRACK_NHL_News) January 7, 2015

Phil Kessel's Goal Shouldn't Have Counted

This is one of the reasons that the NHL needs a coaches challenge, this should be a tie game, still. Check out this video, Phil Kessel's goal shouldn't have counted. The puck hits a player on the bench and comes back into play. It will be interesting to see if the NHL GM's finally decide to have a coaches challenge. That was only the fourth goal Kessel has scored against the Bruins in 28 games. Make that five in 28. Thoughts?

That is Phil Kessel's fourth goal in 28 regular-season vs. Boston.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 13, 2014

Phil Kessel Humor

Non NHL Fans Try To Guess Phil Kessel's Day Job--> http://t.co/zdFCDlafCq 6). Tow Truck Driver pic.twitter.com/idFir4zxib
— Goalie Humor (@GoalieHumor) October 18, 2014

I thought this tweet was really funny.

Toronto Star: Kessel not hot on Spott’s breakout strategy

#469476587 / gettyimages.com

Interesting article about former Golden Gopher and Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel. You have talented, millionaire athletes telling coaches what they will do and not do. It's a great perspective that's not put out there a lot. Per Score: Kessel denies a rift with the Toronto coaching staff.

Dave Feschuk, Toronto Star – At least, such was the gist of an anecdote Spott shared at a coaches’ clinic at which he was a guest speaker last month, this according to interviews with three minor-hockey coaches who were in attendance.

“Spotter said that when he went to Phil (with the breakout play), Phil said, I’m not doing it,” said one of the attendees, a former professional player.

Said another: “Spott was saying (that) these are the things I’ve got to deal with now that I’ve never had to deal with. In the AHL (where Spott coached last season with the Toronto Marlies), when you’re the coach what you say goes. Whereas now that I’m here (in the NHL), I’ve got a guy telling me: No. I’m not going to do that.”

The 46-year-old Spott told the group that he made Carlyle aware of the pushback he’d received from Kessel, 26, who signed an eight-year contract extension worth about $64 million last season.

“Spott said Carlyle’s attitude was that we’re fired before (Kessel is) out of here, the hierarchy doesn’t want to deal with Phil. He scores 30 (goals) a year and that’s all they want,” said one of the attendees. “(Spott said) Phil hates coaches. He hates Randy. He hates me and I don’t even know him yet.”

Score, Six players who will never win a Stanley Cup

Jarome Iginla and 5 other players who will never win a Stanley Cup. http://t.co/OjqYATTn0U pic.twitter.com/MQIWcT8y12
— theScore (@theScore) July 17, 2014

Interesting list by the Score. Noticed Phil Kessel and Alex Ovechkin are part of this list.

Vote for T.J. Oshie for the EA Sports NHL 2015 Cover

You can vote for former Fighting Sioux and current St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie by going to this link. I would have to think that there hasn't been too many UND hockey players on the cover of EA Sports NHL Hockey.

It's official: Kessel re-signs with Leafs.

Well, my scheduled post was little out of date. So, the Leafs have re-signed their prized forward to a fat 8-year deal worth $ 8 million a year. Also, a no trade clause in his contract.

MHL.COM -- The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to announce Tuesday a new contract for star scorer Phil Kessel, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

The reported eight-year contract, which would start with the 2014-15 season, will have an average annual value of $8 million, and include a limited no-trade clause.

Kessel is in the final season of a five-year contract he signed after being acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Boston Bruins and would become an unrestricted free agent if not signed before July.

The 26-year-old led the Maple Leafs with 20 goals and 52 points last season, a total that tied for seventh in the League. He led the team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with four goals, including two game-winners.

Kessel had at least 30 goals in his first three seasons with the Maple Leafs, and in seven NHL seasons with the Bruins and Maple Leafs, he has 185 goals and 379 points in 504 games.

Well, my scheduled post was little out of date. So, the Leafs have re-signed their prized forward to a fat 8-year deal worth 8 million a year. Also, there is a no trade clause in his contract. With Kessel signing of this lucrative deal, the expectations for him in Toronto are going to go up. Toronto is a tough town to play in and I expect him to be the whipping boy if things don’t go well for the Leafs this season.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Forward Phil Kessel Suspended for the Rest of the Pre-Season

Well, that was swift, the wheel of justice has been spun. I think Kessel's suspension should be longer, because this is the second stick swinging incident for the Leafs star forward in the pre-season. That's unacceptable and that needs to be addressed going forward. We don't want the NHL to start resembling the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation or the movie Slap Shot. Apparently, the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres has been fined an undisclosed amount for his players selection that led to this event.

NEW YORK -- Buffalo Sabres head coach Ron Rolston has been fined for player selection and team conduct as a result of events that took place at 10:01 of the third period during NHL preseason game No. 61 against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The events took place during the face-off after Buffalo forward Corey Tropp fought Toronto forward Jamie Devane. Buffalo forward John Scott initiated an altercation with Toronto forward Phil Kessel, whom he was lined up against on the face-off, resulting in several fights. In total, 211 penalty minutes, including three game misconducts, were assessed due to the various altercations.

With all of the altercations that have transpired in the pre-season, it should be a good exciting and emotional regular season. I also think that NHL's department of Player Safety has set the tone early and sent the playes in the NHL a message that they're not going go easy on players that cross the line.

Phil Kessel Light Saber Gif... (Humor?)

s/t to Next impulse sports and to my friend @scofarr

NHL Hockey: Did John Scott Break the Hockey Code?

As I suspected, David Clarkson has been suspended by the NHL for 10 regular-season games for leaving the bench to join a fight/altercation. This is the second 10-game suspension of the pre-season already. The think that it's funny; the Toronto Maple Leafs are the only ones in this whole mess that will face any time on the beach. The Leafs Phil Kessel has a phone hearing fo rhis stick swinging incident.



I am not usually a fan of Damien Cox, but he does bring up some good points here. I was thinking about this as well.

Damien Cox, Toronto Star -- But the question NHL hanging judge Brendan Shanahan needs to ask himself is whether justice will be done if Kessel is suspended and the Buffalo Sabres don't receive any sanctions at all, not even a token fine.

If Shanahan chooses that option, he will be in effect opening the door to a strategy in which enforcers can jump star players on opposing teams without the league coming down hard on them. The league should protect its marquee players, although it seldom makes that a priority and instead allows the Patrick Kaletas of the world to run wild. You can say Kessel did wrong, but you better have a explanation as to how he should have handled a 6-foot-8 goon who had already dropped his gloves.

You can argue the goon in question, John Scott, did nothing overly wrong under the rules of the game, other than breaking them and getting a penalty. But in combination with Buffalo coach Ron Rolston, Scott instigated the entire affair by doing what most NHL people would argue is completely against the culture and spirit of the game, and that's menacing a skill player who had done absolutely nothing to provoke Scott.

I know that there’s going to be a few people that think that Phil Kessel had a beat down coming. But I ask you; think about it this way. Interchange Leafs forward Phil Kessel with Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron, Zach Parise or even Jonathan Toews. Now I got your attention, right? Do we really want a two-bit goon like John Scott beating the bejesus out of a star player? Do we want him to just take liberties against marquee players? First off, I am not a dove by any stretch of the imagination. I love a good bare knuckles brawl, but the head coach of the Maple Leafs bares some of the blame in this situation.

Here’s a couple of questions that I will pose to the readers. Should Goons be going after skilled players? How’s a skilled players like Phil Kessel supposed to respond in this situation? Again, you can interchange your favorite skilled player with Kessel. Are skilled players just supposed to accept their beat down? I don’t know. Imagine the outrage if Scott had lined up again Sid Crosby or Patrice Bergeron, both players have had concussion issues. Do we want a cement head like Scott pulverizing the franchise player? You have to expect a player like Clarkson to jump off the bench and come to their aid.

NHL Hockey: Sabres and Leafs Line Brawl.

I predict that there's going to be a few suspensions and fines from this altercation. First, I would be willing to bet that David Clarkson will be looking at a 10-game suspension for jumping over the boards to enter an altercation. That's supposed to be an automatic suspension. This is after Biznasty was just given a 10-gamer for doing the same thing. I don't think that Clarkson has a leg to stand on here.

This is what the Sabres pylon had to say about the incident. Quote courtesy of Buffalo Hockey Beat.

“He had obviously some other guys in the lineup,” Scott told a throng of reporters this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. “I think their coach kind of wanted to maybe downplay it. But I was just doing my job.

”The 6-foot-8 Scott knew he had to respond and said he would’ve went after anyone who lined up beside him, so he told Kessel, who’s about eight inches shorter and 60 pounds lighter, “Phil, we’re going to have to go here, just to let you know.

”How did Kessel respond?“I think he said, ‘All right, let’s do it,’” Scott said.

Within seconds, a full-scale brawl had erupted between the fierce rivals.“I wasn’t going to try to hurt him,” Scott said about Kessel. “I was just trying to send a message.”Kessel responded by ferociously whacking Scott with his stick as Leafs mauled Scott.

Also, I don't think that Leafs forward Phil Kessel should get off Scott free for swinging his stick, pardon the pun. That being said, I love a good fight, I like a good brawl like the next guy, but a guy like John Scott is basically a waste of a roster space. The guy can barely skate and is in Buffalo to protect the Sabres. My question is, can't they at least find a goon that can take a regular shift and add something to the game?

Kessel: "It was pretty stupid, right? He said he was going to jump me... He's a big boy. If he's coming after me, what are you gonna do?"
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) September 23, 2013

Minnesota Wild: Tuesday at the Links

The NHL and college hockey season is right around the corner.

Via Puck Daddy

Minnesota Wild: If he hits UFA status, should the Wild try to acquire Phil Kessel? Oh I don't know he's probably one of the world's premier goalscoring right wings so I guess they probably shouldn't because who likes guys who can score goals not me and definitely not Toronto and definitely definitely not Minnesota.

Russo's Rants: Pominville extension talks going "back and forth"

Globe and Mail: Contract talks with Sedin brothers could be complicated

Russo's Rants: Wild unveils new white road jersey

Hockey Wilderness: Feeling Minnesota: Why not Phil Kessel?

NCHC Hockey: Top Stories Surrounding New League

Globe and Mail: Campaign against bear hunt catches NHL blueliner in graphic film

Wild Hockey: Would the Wild go after the Leafs Phil Kessel?

Last week over on the Hockey Wilderness, I touched on the subject about the possibility of the NHL’s salary cap moving to $80 Million, over the next four years. One of the big-time free agents that’s going to come available is Phil Kessel, Toronto might be willing to let him go. I am just throwing it out there, I wonder if the Wild management would consider taking a run at Kessel

A dynamic player like Kessel might fit into the Wild’s offensively challenged offense, and he could give the offensive spark that the Wild are begging for.

Currently, Kessel is in the last year of a five-year deal that is paying him $ 5.4 Million dollars a year. Based on his play during the last three seasons, you have to think that he’s going to be worth more. I am betting he’s going to command 6-7 million.

The Leafs might be ready to part with Kessel because they might not have a lot of salary room left. Here’s the deal, the Toronto Maple leafs have $19.5 million wrapped up annually in David Clarkson, Tyler Bozak, James van Riemsdyk and Joffrey Lupul until the 2018 season. Now, Kessel is on record as saying that he would like to stay in Toronto.

“Phil (Kessel) is still a really young man,” Arnott told the SportsNet Fan590. “He really enjoys living in Toronto and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“This young man lives and breathes hockey. He was very excited to come here four years ago. I think if you asked Phil today, he’d love to finish his career here in Toronto. But it’s still young in his career right now.”

So, anything could be possible. Again, with the salary cap possibly moving to $80 Million dollars, there could be a lot of money being thrown around.

Kessel/Leafs golf season

twitter.com/GlobeEricWilbu…
— Eric Wilbur (@GlobeEricWilbur) May 14, 2013

This picture was in one of my friend's twitter feeds. I am sure I will take some heat for it, but I couldn't help myself with this picture.

Bruins vs. Leafs

Tyler Seguin during a game against the Buffalo Sabres during the 2010-11 season (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Boston 28-14-6 vs. Toronto 26-17-5 

Season Series: The Bruins had a 3-1 record against the Maple Leafs this season. 2-0 in Boston and 1-1 in Toronto.

For the first time in nine seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That’s right, last time the Maple Leafs made the Stanley Cup Playoffs was during the 2003-04 season.

So, starting tonight, the Leafs are trying to shed the label as the Make Me Laughs. Looking at the history books, the Maple Leafs are also the last “Original Six” team to win a Stanley Cup Championship (1967). That means If my math is correct, that 46 years since the Toronto Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup. The Bruins ended a 39 year drought when they won the Stanley Cup in 2011.

One of the stories lines is former Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel, who was traded to Toronto and the struggles he has had against his former team scoring (3g-6a—9pts) in 22 games against the Bruins. Kessel also didn't want to talk to the media in Toronto this week, either.

Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun – Phil Kessel has managed the impossible — he’s pulled a disappearing act before the playoff series begins against the Boston Bruins.

And in doing so, refusing to fulfil his contractual obligations and meet with the media, he wound up embarrassing team management in the process.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of it,” said general manager Dave Nonis, when apparently informed of Kessel’s unwillingness to play meet the press on Monday afternoon and doing his best to explain why. Nonis was clearly unimpressed with Kessel’s silence.

“We’ll deal with it internally,” said Nonis, who added. “Our players will be available on a going forward basis.”

Lets hope that the Boston Bruins make young Nazem Kadri eat his words, I don't know about you, but that looks like bulletin board material to me.

Nazem Kadri: "This is a very, very winnable series."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 1, 2013