[panoo]

TSN.ca Staff
8/17/2006 1:51:35 AM

Phil Kessel appears to be ready to start his career in the National Hockey League.

According to ESPN.com, the University of Minnesota forward has decided to forego his final years of college eligibility and will sign a three-year contract with the Boston Bruins. The formal announcement could come as early as Thursday.

ESPN reports that Kessel will earn the entry-level maximum of $850,000 in salary - not including significant performance bonuses.

Last season in Minnesota, Kessel netted 18 and had 33 assists. He was also a member of Team U.S.A.'s World Championship club.

Kessel will turn 19 on October 2.

More details to follow.

 

[panoo]

Kessel to play in Boston

TSN.ca Staff
8/17/2006 1:18:39 PM

Phil Kessel has signed a multi-year contract with the Boston Bruins, according to the official Boston Bruins website. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 18 year-old Kessel, Boston's fifth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played one season for the University of Minnesota, before opting to turn pro. Kessel's U of M career was topped off by his WCHA rookie of the year win, with 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points in 34 games in his only season of university hockey.

A native of Madison Wisconson, the 6 ft 190 lb Kessel was a stand-out in the US National Developmental program, leading all scorers in the 2006 World Cup Tournament with 11 points.

"Phil is a player with world-class speed and gifted offensive talents," said Chiarelli. "We feel he is ready to begin his professional development and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at training camp.”

 

[BE-LEAF-ABLE]

So he's really going to get a shot, eh? I wonder is he's all he's cooked up to be. Time will tell, whether it be on Providence or Boston.