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PHT Morning Skate: A second Kessel in Toronto?

Phil Kessel

Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Phil Kessel reacts against the Boston Bruins in the third period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

AP

PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

Blake Kessel, the younger brother of Maple Leafs sniper Phil, has been invited to the Toronto Marlies’ training camp, which begins Friday. Blake, 25, spent much of last season with the Leafs’ ECHL affiliate in Orlando where he had 33 points in 43 games. The defenseman also appeared in 11 American Hockey League games with the Rockford IceHogs and Rochester Americans. (Toronto Marlies site)

Gary Roberts may have played over 1,200 NHL games, but these days he’s better known as a fitness guru training some of the game’s top players including Tampa Bay Lightning captain, Steven Stamkos. Roberts talks about how fitness and nutrition has evolved from his playing days. (Sportsnet)

The New York Rangers have yet to name a captain, but defenseman Ryan McDonagh is ready to assume a leadership role with the blue shirts. (NHL.com)

Several NHL veterans are currently participating in preseason action looking, for one reason or another, to put their 2013-14 campaigns behind them. (Sportsnet)

New Jersey Devils coach Pete DeBoer didn’t hold back following his team’s 4-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night saying, “That was an ugly game. There wasn’t a lot to like on our end tonight”. (Fire and Ice)

The Calgary Flames may have lost 3-1 to the Vancouver Canucks in preseason action on Thursday night, but rookie Sam Bennett made his debut in Flames colors assisting on a goal and showing signs of why he was selected fourth overall in June. (Calgary Herald)

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