Longtime Maple Leafs commentator Joe Bowen recently reflected on Phil Kessel‘s time in Toronto. Bowen shared his thoughts on Kessel’s abilities on the ice and unique personality off the ice.
Kessel was somewhat of a polarizing player during his time with the Maple Leafs. He wasn’t an outspoken leader or known for being a physical player. However, there was no denying that he was the most impactful player on the Leafs’ roster at the time.
During an appearance on The Game Plan, Bowen noted that Kessel was a unique player in that he liked to do things his own way. Because of that, it often led to some criticism when the team struggled. However, he still produced and led the way offensively, which made his linemates better.
“Maybe the most unique individual that I’ve ever had the pleasure of broadcasting. Phil [Kessel] danced to the beat of his own drummer and you never really thought he was in shape, but he was just a tremendous player,” Bowen said. “He was a unique individual. And sometimes he didn’t want to step in the same line as everybody else. He wanted to do his own thing and he did. And yet, every night he was there and every night he produced.”
He added:
[Kessel] was a wonderful player and then of course when he left Toronto, he got to hoist the Cup a couple times. So, a very special individual, but individual I think is probably the best term for Phil.”
Phil Kessel Was Acquired to Turn the Maple Leafs Around
Phil Kessel entered the Maple Leafs roster with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Then-general manager Brian Burke, known for making a splash, acquired Kessel in a trade with the Boston Bruins.
Maple Leafs acquire:
- Phil Kessel (RFA)
Bruins acquire:
- 2010 1st round pick (Tyler Seguin)
- 2010 2nd round pick (Jared Knight)
- 2011 1st round pick (Dougie Hamilton)
The Bruins accepted Burke’s trade proposal primarily because there were no restrictions on the draft picks. That worked out in their favor, as they ended up receiving the 2nd overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft, which they used to select Tyler Seguin.
“It’s a very high price but it’s one that we feel makes sense for us. And I think what’s made it possible to expend those picks is two focuses. One is that [Kessel’s] a young player,” Burke told reporters. “Phil’s a dynamic player, I’ve had him with the U.S. national team. He’s got great foot speed, he’s a good power play specialist, he’s good on the shootout, and he’s a solid kid.”
Kessel was productive with the Maple Leafs, leading the team in scoring in all six seasons.
Maple Leafs Traded Kessel to Pittsburgh Penguins
The trade that sent him from the Bruins to the Maple Leafs wasn’t the only time Kessel would be traded. After six seasons with the Leafs, the organization made it known that it would commit to a full rebuild. That decision made their top scorer available.
Kessel was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the opening day of the NHL‘s Free Agent Frenzy in 2015. The Leafs’ then-top scorer was joining a team that included Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Marc-Andre Fleury.
Kessel played a key role in the Penguins’ success, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
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