Kessel Likely to Debut Tonight

The eagerly-anticipated debut of Phil Kessel in a Maple Leafs uniform should likely be a go tonight, barring any medical mishaps that will keep the staff from giving the young sniper a clean bill a health and clearance to play.

As you may recall, Kessel was sidelined by shoulder surgery in May, after the Bruins were eliminated from the playoffs, which had his return posted anywhere between late September and mid-November, so he's pretty well on target. Kessel was then dealt to the Maple Leafs in a cap saving move by the Bruins, who were suffering with the signing of expensive Restricted Free Agents.

Now, all of that hoopla has come down to tonight's game against the Lightning, who played last night in Philadelphia, losing 6-2.

Well, because of Kessel's injury, I didn't think he would have much of an implication upon his return, but Dale B. did decide to take a chance with him, expecting big things from Kessel. Dale sits 34 points out of the money positions, which isn't the fault of taking Kessel, as there have been injuries throughout the standings, including plenty of long-term injuries, but it will be interesting to see how much of an impact Kessel will make heading into Week Six.