Getty Images
Upon securing his third Stanley Cup triumph – this time as part of the Vegas Golden Knights team – Phil Kessel couldn’t resist taking a fresh swipe at his old team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Tuesday evening. Now 35, Kessel had previously been a key figure for the Leafs from 2009 to 2015, during which he became a somewhat contentious character.
Having been brought on board as part of a high-profile trade with the Boston Bruins, Kessel’s stint at Toronto was marked by scant success. The Leafs managed to reach the playoffs just once during Kessel’s six-season tenure, and he found himself in the hot seat for not producing wins and an alleged lack of dedication to staying fit.
While addressing Toronto-based journalists on Tuesday evening, Kessel made it clear that he still remembered the criticisms levied at him during his Leafs’ tenure.
“I’m reminded of my Toronto days. You guys said I couldn’t win, and here I am, a three-time champ,” Kessel said, quoting Mike Stephens of The Hockey News. “Let’s not forget that.”
Following his exit from the Leafs, Kessel was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015. It was here that he took part in the victorious Penguins teams that bagged back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
However, in this victory with the Golden Knights, Kessel’s role was noticeably toned down. His season’s performance included scoring merely 14 goals in 82 games and participating in only four playoff matches before regularly sitting out as a healthy scratch.
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
You Might Also Like
The Most Relaxing Farm Game. No Installation Needed
TAONGA: THE ISLAND FARM
Play Now
Best Strategy Game Of 2023
TOTAL BATTLE – TACTICAL GAME ONLINE
Play Now
Never Shut Off Your Computer Again. No Install Required. Play for Free.
COMBATSIEGE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Phil Kessel Stanley Cup 2023
Who is Phil Kessel?
Phil Kessel is a professional hockey player who, as of 2023, has won the Stanley Cup three times — once with the Vegas Golden Knights and twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2009 to 2015.
How many times has Phil Kessel won the Stanley Cup?
As of 2023, Phil Kessel has won the Stanley Cup three times. His first two victories were with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, and his third was with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
Why did Phil Kessel take a shot at the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Phil Kessel made comments about the Toronto Maple Leafs after his 2023 Stanley Cup win as a response to criticism he received during his tenure with the team from 2009 to 2015. During this time, the Leafs experienced little success and Kessel was criticized for a lack of winning and an alleged lack of commitment to physical fitness.
What was Phil Kessel’s performance in the 2023 season?
In the 2023 season, Phil Kessel scored 14 goals in 82 games. He played only four games in the playoffs before being regularly benched as a healthy scratch.
To which teams has Phil Kessel been traded in his career?
Phil Kessel has been traded to several teams throughout his career. In 2009, he was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a trade with the Boston Bruins. He was later traded from the Maple Leafs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015. His performance contributed to the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017.
More about Phil Kessel Stanley Cup 2023
- Phil Kessel’s NHL Statistics
- History of Stanley Cup Winners
- Toronto Maple Leafs Team History
- Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup Wins
- Vegas Golden Knights 2023 Season
