Toronto Maple Leafs: Phil Kessel Calls Out Media For Treatment of Dion Phaneuf

Toronto Maple Leafs: Phil Kessel Calls Out Media For Treatment of Dion Phaneuf

The relationship between Phil Kessel and the Toronto media has been a sour one, with the arguments about his conditioning and whether he is coachable. After Tuesday’s morning skate, Kessel voluntarily approached the media and addressed the ongoing criticism of captain Dion Phaneuf. You can watch the video and read the tweets about the rant below.

Dec 16, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) talks to right wing Phil Kessel (81) during a break in the action against the Anaheim Ducks at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Ducks 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

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This is a unique stance for Kessel to take because we have rarely seen him be so vocal, especially about another player. However, it speaks to how toxic the locker room has become, especially with the rumours of Phaneuf almost being traded yesterday. Kessel was not even asked about Phaneuf specifically – he was tired of seeing his captain constantly being the punching bag for the teams problems. There was one part of the rant that was interesting, because Kessel tries to take the attention away from Phaneuf and the other players.

Dec 16, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) talks to defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) against the Anaheim Ducks at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Ducks 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

This is definitely a message to management, because it is not Phaneuf’s fault that this team is not playing well. He is their best defenceman. He has had to deal with a lot of criticism especially because of his contract, but he was offered IT by management. Did he hold a gun to their head and force them to re-sign HIM? No.

I think Kessel earned some respect when it comes to his lack of leadership ability, because he did not have to say anything. However, he does not want his teammate to continually be the topic of criticism. Granted the team has not played well and they have put themselves in this situation. As Kessel said in the video, winning would take the pressure off the players. There is also this idea that the players are blaming the media for the reason why they are not playing well. They just feel that the media is being unfair with criticizing one player for the way the whole team plays.

Mar 1, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates his goal with defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) and right wing

(19) and center

(42) during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Another situation involving the media and a Leafs player came about yesterday, when Joffrey Lupul called out TSN during their trade deadline coverage. A person on twitter took a screen shot of a inappropriate tweet that made it on air during the show. Lupul’s anger was clearly pointed at TSN’s inability to keep the tweet from showing up, even though the tweet was a joke.

TSN then wrote this statement in response to the tweet

“Earlier today, an inappropriate and disrespectful tweet was erroneously aired. As soon as it was flagged, we immediately removed it. We’ve reached out to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and all those impacted to extend our sincerest apologies for our error. It should have never, ever gone to air.”

The person who wrote the tweet apologized for it and said that it was only a joke, stating it was not his fault TSN broadcasted it.

After the Kessel comments Lupul also tweeted out this response, which is a clear indication that the Leafs have had enough with the media. Management might have to address this situation, because there are still 19 games left this season.