Shane Doan becomes an assistant to Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving as the club shores up its deep ties to Arizona. Will that be enough to extend Auston Matthews? Phil Kessel is a Stanley Cup champion… Again. This time, it wasn't former U.S. President Barack Obama making that declaration [https://thehockeynews.com/news/obama-welcomes-penguins-to-white-house-singles-out-kessel-in-hilarious-opening-remarks] but perhaps it was just as sweet for the NHL's current ironman who lifted Lord Stanley for the third time when his Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Florida Panthers in five games to win the 2023 edition of the NHL's premier championship. As is tradition, media are allowed to get onto the ice to interview the championship team and Phil Kessel was among them. Kessel didn't hold back when speaking to some Toronto-based reporters. "Takes me back to my Toronto days. You guys said I couldn't win, and now I'm a three-time champ," Kessel said. Remember that." Kessel's comments have seemingly become an annual tradition of former Toronto Maple Leafs who have gone on to have some sharp words to media or fans after winning a Stanley Cup. Nazem Kadri took a similar tone when his Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup last year. "For everyone who thought I was a liability in the playoffs, you can kiss my ass," Kadri laughed while doing an interview with Hockey Night in Canada. Kessel spent six seasons with the Maple Leafs. He was the team's leading scorer in all six years where he scored 181 goals and added 213 assists in 446 games. The 35-year is the NHL's current iron man, having played in 1,064 consecutive regular season games. However, Kessel has been a healthy scratch for most of Vegas' current run having played in just four games. Kessel signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract to play with the Golden Knights this past season and is a pending unrestricted free agent. In addition to Kessel, other former Maple Leafs became Stanley Cup champions for the first time, including Michael Amadio. The forward was claimed off waivers by Vegas from the Maple Leafs on Oct. 30, 2021 and has found a fit there. He had five goals and five assists in 16 games during the 2023 Cup run. Former Maple Leafs defenseman Ben Hutton also became a Stanley Cup champion. Hutton suited up for two games during the 2023 playoffs. Related Former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas Hires Jason Spezza as Assistant GM with Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/former-maple-leafs-gm-kyle-dubas-hires-jason-spezza-as-assistant-gm-with-penguins] Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies Plans to Live With John Tavares Again Next Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-matthew-knies-plans-to-live-with-john-tavares-again-next-season] Report: Maple Leafs Still Sorting Out Sheldon Keefe's Future [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/report-maple-leafs-still-sorting-out-sheldon-keefes-future]
