What Happened to Phil Kessel? Has Phil Kessel Won a Stanley Cup?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jun 14, 2023
Who is Phil Kessel?
Phil Kessel, a skilled professional ice hockey winger, currently graces the roster of the formidable Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). His remarkable career has seen him don the jerseys of esteemed teams such as the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Arizona Coyotes.
Born on October 2, 1987, in Madison, Wisconsin, Kessel emerged as a rising star in the world of hockey. He honed his skills as a part of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, showcasing his talent as an elite player under the age of 18. Kessel's early achievements included winning a gold medal at the 2005 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and earning a well-deserved spot on the tournament's All-Star Team.
In a remarkable turn of events, Kessel's journey led him to be selected by the Bruins in the first round, fifth overall, of the prestigious 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He swiftly made his presence felt in the NHL, debuting with the Bruins during the 2006-07 season. His scoring prowess became evident as he established himself as one of the team's top performers. With 20 goals and 36 points in his rookie campaign, Kessel's remarkable skills earned him a place on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Kessel's star continued to rise in his second season, where he showcased his remarkable talent by netting 27 goals and accumulating 59 points. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the NHL Second All-Star Team and solidified his place as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, an accolade bestowed upon the NHL's Rookie of the Year.
As a valuable contributor to the Bruins' success, Kessel continued to display his prowess for several seasons, although a Stanley Cup championship eluded him. In 2009, a notable trade sent him to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Tuukka Rask, Mark Fraser, and a first-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Kessel's arrival in Toronto sparked immense popularity, with his exceptional goal-scoring abilities captivating the fans. Leading the team in goals on five occasions and achieving the milestone of at least 30 goals four times, Kessel's impact was undeniable. During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, he also earned the honor of being named to the NHL All-Star Team thrice.
In 2015, Kessel embarked on a new chapter as he joined the ranks of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was with the Penguins that he attained the pinnacle of success, securing back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. His remarkable contributions were further recognized as he was awarded the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2016.
The year 2019 marked a new chapter for Kessel as he signed with the Arizona Coyotes, lending his talents to the desert hockey scene for two seasons before making his way to the Vegas Golden Knights on July 28, 2021, signifying a new chapter in his illustrious career.
With an impressive collection of accomplishments, Kessel boasts three Stanley Cup championships, two Olympic medals, and a pair of All-Star selections. Known for his elite goal-scoring ability and laid-back personality, he has become a beloved figure among hockey enthusiasts. Kessel's remarkable achievements have also earned him membership in the esteemed Triple Gold Club, a rare distinction reserved for players who have claimed the Stanley Cup, Olympic gold medal, and World Championship.
Beyond his on-ice achievements, Kessel is admired for his sense of humor and willingness to engage in self-deprecating banter. He has also emerged as a strong advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to promote this crucial cause.
What Happened to Phil Kessel?
Phil Kessel, a seasoned hockey player, has found himself absent from recent games with the Vegas Golden Knights, marking a significant break in his nearly 15-year-long ironman streak during the NHL playoffs. Having been traded from the Boston Bruins to the Toronto Maple Leafs and subsequently to the Pittsburgh Penguins before landing with the Arizona Coyotes and finally the Vegas Golden Knights, Kessel's journey has taken him through various teams.
However, Kessel's presence on the ice has been limited in the Golden Knights lineup, as head coach Bruce Cassidy has opted for different forward personnel. While Kessel remains in good health, Cassidy has made the decision to explore alternative options for the team.
In the initial four playoff games, Kessel made appearances for the Golden Knights. However, since Game 4 against Winnipeg in the first round, he has not stepped onto the ice. Coinciding with William Carrier's return to the lineup after an extended absence due to a lower-body injury, Kessel's absence has become more pronounced.
Cassidy has chosen to utilize players like Michael Amadio and Teddy Blueger instead of Kessel during the postseason. Both Amadio and Blueger excel defensively, providing a different dynamic compared to the veteran Kessel. Additionally, given the considerable offensive talent within the Vegas lineup, Kessel's presence is not as crucial as it has been in previous years.
Throughout the season, the Golden Knights faced various injuries, most notably with Mark Stone, who missed the final three months of the regular season. With the team now fully healthy in terms of forwards, Kessel has found himself as the odd man out. Despite his absence from recent games, Kessel's experience and skills remain valuable, and he continues to contribute to the team dynamic both on and off the ice.
Has Phil Kessel Won a Stanley Cup?
The mighty Phil Kessel, a true legend of the ice, has triumphed in not one, not two, but three Stanley Cup victories! His unparalleled skill and determination have brought him glory with different teams over the years.
Let's rewind to 2016 when Kessel showcased his brilliance as part of the formidable HBK line for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Teaming up with Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin, they proved to be an unstoppable force during the playoffs. Kessel led the Penguins with an impressive 10 goals and 22 points, firing a whopping 98 shots on net.
Though he narrowly missed out on the Conn Smythe Trophy, losing by a mere three points to his teammate Sidney Crosby, his impact on the team's championship triumph was undeniable.
The following year, in 2017, Kessel continued his remarkable playoff performance. Contributing 15 points, including 8 goals and 7 assists, he played a crucial role in securing the Penguins' second consecutive Stanley Cup victory. The Nashville Predators fell victim to Kessel's brilliance as he etched his name in the annals of hockey history.
Fast forward to 2023, and we find Kessel donning the colors of the illustrious Vegas Golden Knights. A key figure in their pursuit of the ultimate prize, he amassed 12 points, with 6 goals and 6 assists, in 20 games. His prowess was on full display in the climactic Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens, where he found the back of the net, sealing the Golden Knights' victory with a thrilling 3-2 scoreline.
In doing so, Kessel etched his name in the record books as the first American-born player to win the Stanley Cup with three different teams. Kessel's path to greatness has been adorned with numerous accomplishments throughout his career, and his three Stanley Cup triumphs stand tall among them.
Phil Kessel Bruins
Once upon a time, Phil Kessel adorned the colors of the Boston Bruins, leaving a mark on the ice during his early years. The Bruins saw great potential in him and selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. From 2006 to 2009, Kessel showcased his skills while donning the famous spoked-B jersey. In his final season with the Bruins, he left a lasting impression by netting an impressive 36 goals and amassing 60 points in just 70 games.
However, the hockey gods had other plans, and Kessel's journey took a turn when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs prior to the 2009-2010 season in exchange for valuable draft picks.
The trade that sent Kessel to Toronto stirred up quite a controversy. The Bruins' decision to use the acquired draft picks on Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton, both of whom went on to flourish in their NHL careers, added fuel to the fiery debates. Nevertheless, Kessel himself continued to shine in the realm of professional hockey. He carved out a successful path, hoisting the Stanley Cup twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins and earning multiple All-Star selections.
Known for his lightning-fast speed, lightning-quick release on his shots, and uncanny ability to score from seemingly impossible positions on the ice, Kessel showcased his remarkable talent time and time again.
Despite the achievements, Kessel's tenure with the Bruins wasn't devoid of controversies. Contract disputes sparked tensions between him and the team, ultimately leading to his departure and trade to the Maple Leafs. Some fans and media members also questioned his effort level in certain games, labeling him as a "one-dimensional" player. Yet, amidst the debates and criticism, Kessel's time with the Bruins undeniably laid the groundwork for his promising NHL career.
He played a pivotal role in the team's triumphs, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's history. As Kessel continues his journey in the realm of professional hockey, his legacy as a key figure in the Bruins' narrative and a remarkably talented player remains intact, forever etched in the annals of the sport.
How Old is Phil Kessel?
The tale of Phil Kessel begins on October 2, 1987, when he first graced the world in Madison, Wisconsin. Now at the age of 35, he continues to dazzle on the ice as a skilled professional ice hockey winger for the mighty Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). Kessel's journey in the NHL has taken him through various teams, including the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Arizona Coyotes.
The Bruins recognized Kessel's potential early on and drafted him in the first round, fifth overall, during the illustrious 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He swiftly made his debut in the NHL during the 2006-07 season, donning the Bruins' iconic jersey. However, after six seasons of leaving his mark in Boston, fate interceded, and he found himself traded to the Maple Leafs in a significant exchange that brought Tuukka Rask, Mark Fraser, and a first-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft to the Bruins.
Kessel's tenure with the Maple Leafs spanned an impressive six seasons, during which he showcased his exceptional goal-scoring prowess. He led the team in goals on five occasions and achieved the remarkable feat of scoring at least 30 goals four times. The hockey world witnessed his immense talent firsthand.
However, in the summer of 2015, a new chapter unfolded as Kessel embarked on a new adventure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, bringing his formidable skills to Steel City. The Penguins' faith in him was rewarded with back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, etching his name in hockey lore.
Following his time in Pittsburgh, Kessel sought new horizons and signed with the Arizona Coyotes on July 1, 2019, adding his unique flair to the desert hockey scene. Two seasons of Kessel's magic graced the Coyotes before destiny beckoned once again, leading him to the doorstep of the illustrious Vegas Golden Knights on July 28, 2021. The Knights recognized the value he brought to the ice and eagerly welcomed him into their formidable lineup.
Kessel's illustrious career boasts three Stanley Cup triumphs, a testament to his unwavering dedication and undeniable skill. His greatness extends beyond the NHL, as he has also claimed two Olympic medals and earned two well-deserved All-Star selections. Not only celebrated for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess but Kessel is also known for his laid-back personality, which adds a touch of charm to his captivating presence on and off the ice.
What Happened to Phil Kessel - FAQs
After departing from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Phil Kessel went on to play for the Arizona Coyotes and currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Yes, during his tenure with the Penguins, Kessel won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2016.
The trade to the Maple Leafs provided Kessel with new opportunities and increased responsibility. He became a key player for the Leafs, leading the team in goals multiple times and earning multiple All-Star selections.
Kessel signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021 after playing for the Arizona Coyotes for two seasons. The move was part of his continued journey in the NHL and the Golden Knights' strategy to strengthen their roster.
While Phil Kessel has encountered some minor injuries over the years, he has generally maintained good health and remained an active player throughout his career.