Phil Kessel denies rift with Maple Leafs' coaching staff
For Phil Kessel, the golfing, poker-playing and reeling in of 11-foot sharks with Tyler Bozak is well in the past. Summer's over.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' sniper was immediately forced onto the defensive when training camp began Thursday as reporters grilled the sniper about Dave Feschuk's Toronto Star article that suggested he and new assistant coach Steve Spott were already at odds.
Start of Kessel scrum -- Reporter: do you hate your coach? Kessel: laughing -- no. Just another quiet start to the season.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 18, 2014
The article indicates that Kessel and Spott had an argument when the latter approached the Maple Leafs' star player about his plan to break out of the zone this season.
Kessel: "I haven't read no article yet." Adds he's talked to Spott a few times - but mostly about golf. Says they did no film work.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) September 18, 2014
Kessel: "Some stories are written and they have no clue what they're talking about."
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) September 18, 2014
Maybe they were just discussing iron selection ... passionately.
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