Phil Kessel's younger brother, Blake Kessel signs on to entry-level deal with Philadelphia Flyers
Unlike Phil Kessel, who impressed the National Hockey League (NHL) as much as to be drafted as the fifth-overall by Boston Bruins in 2006, it took his younger brother, Blake Kessel, a little more time to get his name out into the major league but finally
made it on to Philadelphia Flyers.
The younger Kessel, signed on to an entry-level contract for two-years with Philadelphia Flyers
on Wednesday, September 14, which is believed to have an annual salary cap hit of $925,000 if he played in the NHL. Blake will otherwise receive a yearly salary of $70,000 if he plays in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Being a defenseman, Philadelphia believes that it is in their best interest to use Kessel to add the defensive depth they need, but only if he can prove himself over this duration.
“I would say yeah he’s going to need some time [to get to the NHL] but, you know, it’s becoming a younger man’s league every year and you just can’t jump too soon”, said Philadelphia general manager, Paul Holmgren. “We’ll see how he does at the big camp
and maybe he’ll get a couple games up there. I liked the way he played tonight”.
Drafted as the 166th overall pick during round-six of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by New York Islanders, Blake Kessel remained unsigned by his original draft team, who according to him had better option of players to pick from at the moment.
Recently joining Philadelphia prospectus camp, Kessel managed to impress the management during their rookie game against Washington Capitals in front of a 11,000 strong crowd with his winning goal during the second period.
Right then and there, he was compared to his older brother and role model player, Phil Kessel, which the younger Kessel regards as something he wishes to works towards.
“I couldn’t be happier with the (Kessel) name because I love my brother,” said Blake. “He and I are like best friends. It does put a little pressure on you, obviously, but I like the pressure”.
Philadelphia’s main training camp is set to begin on Friday, which gives Blake Kessel an ample opportunity to prove that he is what Flyers have been looking for.
Tags: