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Ex-Maple Leafs Forward Shares Phil Kessel Story
Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kris Versteeg recently shared a funny story about being Phil Kessel‘s roommate on the road. Versteeg recalled what it was like to room with the Leafs star during his time in Toronto.
Toronto acquired Versteeg in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, who were coming off their Stanley Cup win. While his tenure was short-lived, he looked back fondly at his time being teammates with Kessel in Toronto. He praised the NHL iron man record holder for his skill set and humor.
Versteeg, imitating Kessel’s voice, recalled the Leafs winger complaining about the morning sunlight. Later, Kessel complained that he did not feel great, likely due to his pre-game meal selection. However, he still produced on the scoresheet.
“We were in New York one time [and] we’re heading to the game. [Kessel] goes, ‘Steeger, I feel like crap.’ I’m like, ‘It could have been the bowl of cheese that you ate,’” Versteeg told Unsportsmanlike Content. “After the game, he comes off [and gets] one goal, two assists, and he goes, ‘I guess I didn’t feel that bad after all, eh Steegs.’ So many great memories with that guy. What a teammate.”
Ex-Maple Leafs Forward Kris Versteeg Shares Hilarious Phil Kessel Gym Story
Former Maple Leafs forward Kris Versteeg also shared a funny story of challenging Phil Kessel’s fitness.
Versteeg recalled telling Kessel that he believed he was stronger and could squat more weight than him. The Leafs’ then-leading goal scorer clapped back and challenged him to find out.
During his appearance on Unsportsmanlike Content, Versteeg said Kessel squatted a significant amount of weight without warming up. He noted that the Leafs star did it with ease and was in awe of how deceptively strong he was.
“I walk in. I’m like, ‘Phil, look at you, man, I could squat way more than you. There’s no chance you could squat as much as me.’ He’s like, ‘Let’s go to the gym now,’” Versteeg said. “He goes in there, he chucks on four [plates] a side, squats like 10 [reps]. And I’m like, ‘I guess you can squat more.’ He goes, ‘See, told you, Steeger. Nothing.’”
He added: “I actually was shocked at the amount of weight he could lift. And he was ice cold, no warm-up. Just popped right on there and did it.”
Versteeg Says Kessel Was a Great Teammate
Versteeg also put to rest any negative perceptions about Kessel as a teammate. He spoke highly of his work ethic and competitiveness.
During his appearance, Versteeg said that Kessel used to push his teammates to be better. He noted that the NHL iron man was just as committed to their development as he was his own.
“We do bag skating drills or any drills of such, he would torch you. He would be faster than you, he would be at the front of the line, and he would always be pushing himself,” Versteeg said. “I think that is a little piece of Phil that people don’t know is he was always trying to push his team ahead.”
Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and Inter Toronto FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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