Phil Kessel

[Potvin29]

Figured he'd get a thread the first game he doesn't score anyways, so let's start it off on a positive note?

Phil Kessel's philosophy of life is simple. And like most philosophies of life, hard to realize.

"Live each day to its fullest, don't get wrapped up too much in silly stuff . . . relax, have fun, don't get too uptight," Kessel said, rambling off a host of stay-positive mantras after another training-camp workout with the Leafs this week.

And Kessel, who has had a reputation within some circles of the Toronto media for being uptight and brittle, may actually be following his own philosophy. He's showing his fun side more than ever to his teammates. In fact, he's taken charge of team fun lately.

"He has a great place and he has the guys over for football games," good friend Tyler Bozak says. "There's a lot of chirping going on. It can get pretty vocal on who wins and who loses, but Phil treats us great, he always has good food and stuff for us. He's kind of coming up with ideas to do things in the dressing room, and they're good ones . . . we usually end up doing them."

...

And consider this assessment of Kessel from teammate Colby Armstrong.

"He loves golf and fishing, he's quiet, a simple guy, T-shirt and sweatpants. He's really a softie, good natured, he likes everyone, never has a bad thing to say about anyone. He'd do anything for anyone on the team, never judges anyone . . . a super guy," Armstrong says.

Armstrong, like Bozak, also mentions Kessel's new role as team social convenor. Is this the same Kessel with the prickly reputation?

"I'm not like, I don't like to say overly shy . . . with people I know. It's easy, I'm very talkative," Kessel says. "But I'm not happy when we lose so I don't say much, I don't like to talk about it. But anyone can talk to me, I'm approachable."

Full story: http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/1063298--shy-kessel-finally-finding-his-comfort-zone

[Michael]

I am glad that he serves good food when the guys comne over to watch football and that he likes to golf and fish. I just wish he had the same competitive fire in him that a guy like Phaneuf has.

But hey, at least he is not letting something as silly as the playoffs get in the way of his golf game.

[Potvin29]

I am glad that he serves good food when the guys comne over to watch football and that he likes to golf and fish. I just wish he had the same competitive fire in him that a guy like Phaneuf has.

But hey, at least he is not letting something as silly as the playoffs get in the way of his golf game.

LOL

"Kessel certainly isn't chatty after losses. Or when he's in a scoring slump. Like most pro athletes, he's competitive by nature."

[Bullfrog]

I am glad that he serves good food when the guys comne over to watch football and that he likes to golf and fish. I just wish he had the same competitive fire in him that a guy like Phaneuf has.

But hey, at least he is not letting something as silly as the playoffs get in the way of his golf game.

If only he would scowl more while sporting a faux hawk.

[Potvin29]

This thread is heading straight towards a dressing room music/iPod joke.

[Zee]

If Kessel can score 40 goals I don't care how relaxed he is.

[Leaf 50]

If Kessell can score 40 goals,I'd like to see him actually do it .That said,I'm not holding my breath just yet.

[Potvin29]

If Kessell can score 40 goals,I'd like to see him actually do it .That said,I'm not holding my breath just yet.

I think that's generally the point of saying 'if' he can.

[slapshot]

Kessel plan B, not likely but just a thought.

Say for some reason, the following scenario occurred.

1. Connolly doesn't work out
2. Leafs can't find another centerman for Kessel
3. Frattin REALLY develops in a top line sniper power forward. I think the potential for this is there. He can skate, hit and shoot.

Would it be crazy to move Kessel to center with Frattin on right wing (his natural position). I mean, there have been quality centremen who've scored 50 goals, and Kessel was ranked number 1 for a while during his draft year as a center, before he slipped to 5.

If Frattin really took off, he'd have to play the left side somewhere, or they'd have to make a change with Kessel, Kuli and Army ahead of him as it currently stands.

I really like this kid, and I see him as just getting continually better. In terms of poise, he's a lot like Gardiner. He makes smart plays generally. I haven't seen any glaring turnovers from him at all in pre-season, not bad for a rookie.

[WAYNEINIONA]

If Kessel scores 40 this year there will be some people ticked because he should have got 50.

[moon111]

Any line I've seen Kessel on has be pretty predictable.  Doing what they're doing, he's good for 30+ goals.  Bozak didn't get any worst, teams just figured them out.  Really hope Kessel and company are polishing their act as well as Grabs and Kulemin are.

[BlueWhiteBlood]

From Kessely Snipes....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOMSD4aTFJA&feature=player_embedded#!

[Chev-boyar-sky]

From Kessely Snipes....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOMSD4aTFJA&feature=player_embedded#!

This is obviously a fake. Everybody knows Kessel never scores against the Bruins.  ;)

[leafsjunkie]

From Kessely Snipes....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOMSD4aTFJA&feature=player_embedded#!

That dude makes the most ridiculous videos. Oh and Kessels pretty damn good. I think he has elite level talent but I'm not sure his head and heart are always into it. Thats my only beef with Kessel.

[Bender]

Man, Kessel has some tremendous skill. There was one where he pushed it through the defenders legs, deked a bit and went five hole. Unbelievable.