August 17, 2006
Kessel Finally Seals the Deal
CHN Staff Report
BOSTON — In noticeably less time than his previous big decision, but protracted nonetheless, Minnesota sophomore-to-be Phil Kessel signed a multi-year deal with the Boston Bruins today.
"Phil is a player with world-class speed and gifted offensive talents," said Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. "We feel he is ready to begin his professional development and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at training camp."
Kessel, 18, was Boston's first pick, fifth overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in June. His decision on whether or not to turn pro was almost as protracted and angst-provoking as his decision on where he'd go to school. But the sequel, "The Phil Kessel Watch, Part II," finally concluded.
According to the Boston Globe, Minnesota coach Don Lucia was already bracing for this.
"Who knows, it could all fall apart in the next 24 to 48 hours," Lucia told the Globe earlier. "But I'd be surprised. Right now we're preparing for life after Phil. If he ends up back in college right now, I'd be very surprised."
Despite the protracted nature of the negotiations and decision, that this is happened should come as no surprise to those who have followed Kessel's words and actions. And to that end, Minnesota already lined up Jay Barriball, a 2007-08 recruit, to come to Minnesota a year early to take Kessel's spot.
Kessel, who recently returned from the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y., was the leading scorer in the tournament. Last season, as a freshman, Kessel was the Gophers' second-leading scorer with 18 goals and 51 points in 39 games.
"His skating ability is exceptional," new Yale coach Keith Allain, a coach at the evaluation camp, told the Globe. "He's got speed and a great change of pace as well. He can kick it up a notch. He's one of those guys who seems to create offense."
Under the terms of the current NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, Kessel is in line to make $850,000 a year, with an $85,000 signing bonus that would count against Boston's cap whether he played for the Bruins this season or not. If he played for Providence, the Bruins' AHL affiliate, Kessel would make a maximum salary of $62,500.
