Phil Kessel was all smiles as he was introduced to the Toronto media just prior to the Leafs’ pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday evening.
“These are the best fans in the league … it’s going to be a great year,” said the 21-year-old.
Leafs GM Brian Burke justified his inclusion of a pair of first-round draft picks in Friday’s trade. “We don’t intend to pick that high (seventh overall) again,” Burke grumbled. “When you trade one first-round pick there’s a risk, let alone two. This whole job is a high-wire act without a net. We’re betting on Phil, taking a chance. That’s how it works.”
On the ice, Niklas Hagman scored twice – including the overtime winner – to give Toronto a 5-4 win over Philadelphia.
Here are the headlines of stories relating to the Leafs and the Marlies in the news this morning:
Leafs News
- Leafs finally Phil void Toronto Sun
- Born in the USA Toronto Sun
- Leafs Replay Toronto Sun
- Phil the Thrill Toronto Sun
- Turning over a new Leaf Toronto Sun
- Kessel’s worth the gamble Toronto Sun
- Leafs taking shape on and off the ice Toronto Star
- Bruins and Phil Kessel both scored Boston Globe
- Phil Kessel puts his shoulder to the wheel Toronto Star
- Burke confident Kessel will deliver for Leafs National Post
- Leafs’ Nazem Kadri a keeper – for now Toronto Star
- New training program fits Leafs to a T Toronto Star
- Leaf Watch Toronto Star
- Hagman nets OT winner for Leafs CP
- Burke’s Resolve Evident Once Again FAN 590
- Phil Kessel: Audio on Demand FAN 590
NHL and Hockey News
- Fisher’s hat trick lifts Senators over Habs National Post
