Phil Kessel 2010-11 Preview

It was just under a year ago that the Leafs sent two first round picks and a second to the Boston Bruins in exchange for 21-year old sniper Phil Kessel. Fast forward one year later, Kessel is entering his second season with the Leafs with high expectations for himself. After posting back-to-be seasons with at least 30 goals, Kessel will be counted on to top the 40 mark to give the Leafs a chance of making the playoffs.

Kessel scored a modest 55 points last season in only 70 games, so a significant point increase is to be expected. However, those are quality numbers for missing training camp and the first month of the season. The 6-foot, 190 pound winger started strong out of the gate last season with an impressive 5 goals and 8 points in his first 7 games. He continued his strong play throughout November and into December, although his production significantly dropped off after December 18th, in which he went pointless in six straight games and then only 2 goals in 21 games.

Kessel regained his scoring touch in mid-January last season and maintained a steady pace throughout the remainder of the schedule, although often looked tired after shifts last season as he skated back to the bench. Appearing to wear down over the course of 70 games, Kessel will significantly benefit from a productive off season of working himself back into game shape. His first training camp in Toronto will prove as a beginning step to a successful and productive season. He can no longer cite his lack of preparation due to missing training camp in 2009 as a reason for not playing up to standards.

The acquisition of Dion Phaneuf last January helped the team in more ways than one. As seen towards the latter part of the season, teams are assigning their penalty killers to cover Phaneuf on the blueline, which leaves Kessel open on the half boards. Kessel will be relied on to improve his numbers on the powerplay this season and salvage the Leafs special teams out from the basement of the National Hockey League.

Depending on Ron Wilson’s impression of the Leafs in training camp, Kessel may or may not start the season on a line with Nikolai Kulemin and Tyler Bozak. The trio produced last season and may bode well to start the season on an enhanced Leafs forward group. The additions of Kris Versteeg, Colby Armstrong, Clarke McArthur and Mike Brown will all add a different element to the team, but it will take time to develop chemistry. Playing a familiar line of Kulemin, Bozak and Kessel will at least prove to be a reliable line if the other lines are inconsistent in the beginning.

Despite not playing in a full season, Kessel managed to crack the top 20 in goals, along with leading the Leafs in scoring. The former 5th overall pick can be expected to score over 40 goals and 70 points. He isn’t the biggest or toughest guy, but ‘Phil The Thrill’ has a deadly combination of skating, shooting and quick hands. This is a crucial year for Kessel to prove himself to Leaf fans that he was worth three high draft picks. He can erase that memory by leading the blue and white back into the postseason.

2009-10 Statistics
70 games, 30 goals, 25 assists, 55 points, 21 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
81 games, 42 goals, 30 assists, 72 points, 22 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Will Phil Kessel top the 40-goal mark or repeat with another 30-goal campaign?

2 – Do you think Kessel will start the season playing on a line with Tyler Bozak and Nikolai Kulemin?

3 – Can Kessel maintain his form throughout or slowdown towards the latter part of the season?