Phil Kessel: Toronto Media’s Treatment Of Dion Phaneuf ‘Embarrassing’ (Video)
Phil Kessel has heard enough.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star forward has been put through the wringer in his time with the Leafs, and it looked on Monday as if that time might be nearing its end. Kessel was the subject of trade rumors on deadline day, and he’s not the only Leaf with an uncertain future.
Captain Dion Phaneuf’s name also popped up in rumors all day Monday, with the Detroit Red Wings reportedly interested in acquiring the big defenseman and his even bigger contract. Those talks fell through, however, and both Phaneuf and Kessel remain in Toronto.
That’s potentially bad news, as life isn’t getting any easier for either player. As two of the best and highest-paid players in the NHL’s most stressful market, both players hear it constantly from fans and media. Kessel apparently reached his breaking point, as he went on an impassioned rant after Leafs practice Tuesday.
Kessel, speaking in front of Phaneuf’s locker, went to bat for his captain while simultaneously questioning the Leafs’ decision making in recent years.
See some of Kessel’s rant below.
