The United States has been producing an increasing number of top hockey prospects as the 21st Century progresses, and Wisconsin-born Phil Kessel is right at the front of this new wave of talent. The Boston Bruins forward is unusually gifted, and his career journey has been equally unique.
Once thought of as a potential number one overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, Kessel chose to play one season of college hockey at Minnesota before turning pro. He was somewhat lost in the shuffle as a Golden Gopher and saw his stock drop among scouts, though the Bruins still chose him fifth overall in 2006.
Kessel stuck in the NHL immediately as a rookie, but suffered a setback just two months into the 2006-07 season, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He missed just 11 games for treatment before returning to the Bruins, but some wondered if he would ever be the same player.
He had a modest sophomore campaign, recording 37 points while playing all 82 games. In 2008-09, though, Kessel finally busted out in a big way. It took him just 33 games to equal his scoring total from the previous season, and as he helped the Bruins rocket to a 24-5-4 start, he had one of the longest scoring streaks in team history.
As a key component of a suddenly high-flying Boston team that also includes Marc Savard, David Krejci and college teammate Blake Wheeler, the future looks bright for Kessel and his 2006-07 rookie cards. His autographed jersey card from The Cup will probably always have the highest value, but his Hot Prospects # 141 and SPx # 189 may have more future growth potential and be easier to find for sale.
2006-07 Phil Kessel Rookie Cards
- Be A Player # 202 - #'d to 999
- Be A Player Portraits # 109
- Beehive # 105
- Black Diamond # 202
- Flair Showcase # 303
- Hot Prospects # 141 - autographed jersey card #'d to 199
- O-Pee-Chee # 543
- SP Authentic # 163 - autographed, #'d to 999
- SP Game Used # 106 - #'d to 999
- SPx # 189 - autographed jersey card #'d to 799
- Sweet Shot # 104 - jersey card #'d to 499
- The Cup # 170 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
- UD Mini Jersey Collection # 103
- Ultimate Collection # 104 - autographed, #'d to 99
- Upper Deck # 204
- Upper Deck MVP # 299
- Upper Deck Trilogy # 105 - #'d to 999
- Upper Deck Victory # 289