Ex-Maple Leaf Phil Kessel brings Stanley Cup back to Toronto again

Phil Kessel brought the Stanley Cup to Toronto. Again.

According to sources, the 35-year-old vet, who spent six seasons with the Leafs from 2009-2015, had his day with the Stanley Cup on Tuesday.

And keeping with tradition, the three-time champion reportedly celebrated in the Big Smoke with family and friends, which included a gathering at a rooftop bar downtown.

Honestly, it’s not that surprising. The city remains his second home.

Back in 2016, after winning his first Cup with Pittsburgh, in a very classy gesture, Kessel brought Lord Stanley to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children for a private event as part of his day-long festivities with hockey’s ultimate prize.

Suffice it is to say, since leaving Toronto, the winger has had a very successful career. He won back-to-back Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016-17 and 2017-18 before securing his third ring with Vegas last month.

At this point in his career, Kessel’s been relegated to more of a depth role. After potting 14 goals and 36 points in 82 regular season outings, the Wisconsin native appeared in just four of Vegas’ 22 playoff games tallying two assists. That, by the way, unofficially ended his Ironman streak. Incredibly, he’s played in 1,064 consecutive regular season games and counting. Furthermore, he last missed a regular season contest on October, 31 2009, while still a member of the Maple Leafs. Additionally, he broke Keith Yandle’s record of 989 last October.

Unfortunately, much to the chagrin of many, there’s no word if he ate hot dogs out of the Cup again.

Kessel, who’s currently an unrestricted free agent, told reporters at the end of the season that has no intention of retiring and wants to play next season.