Kris Versteeg was a big part of the Chicago Blackhawks dynasty in the 2010s, winning two Stanley Cups with the star-studded team. But during the 2010–2011 season, Versteeg played for the Toronto Maple Leafs — and there, he got to know none other than Phil Kessel…
There are almost as many great stories about Phil Kessel as there are games he’s played. Many of them revolve around his unique perspective on fitness and practice. Yet somehow, he still managed to skate in 1,064 consecutive games — a record he could still extend, as he hasn’t officially retired. And let’s not forget his three Stanley Cup wins with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Roomied with Phil Kessel
But back in the 2010–2011 season, Kessel was with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and that year he became teammates with Kris Versteeg, who had been traded from the Chicago Blackhawks. Versteeg ended up rooming with the very unique Phil Kessel — and he has plenty of stories from their time together. One of the most memorable involves Phil’s pregame eating habits.
”I wanna kill this guy”
Phil was apparently very open about how he felt, something Versteeg experienced firsthand.
“He would wake up and say, ‘I feel terrible, Steeger, I feel terrible,’ and I’d be like, ‘It could have been that bowl of cheese you ate before the game.’ Then he goes out, scores two goals and an assist, and comes onto the bus afterward saying, ‘Steeger, not gonna lie. I felt terrible out there, holy shit.’ And I’d just be like, ‘I wanna kill this guy,’” Versteeg said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast in 2021.
You can listen to the hilarious story below.
READ MORE: Phil Kessel’s most iconic TV interview
