Kessel expected to rejoin Bruins after weekend
BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins sent Phil Kessel to the minors Friday for a quick conditioning stint after recent surgery to treat testicular cancer.
Kessel will be recalled from the AHL on Sunday night after Providence plays the Springfield Falcons, Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli said.
"At just 19 years old and in his first season in the NHL, it would be difficult for Phil to come right back to Boston in the middle of the season, after being off the ice for a month," Chiarelli said. "These few games in Providence will help Phil readjust to the speed of the NHL so that he is ready to join Boston on Monday morning."
Kessel was the fifth overall pick in the 2006 draft. He has scored five goals with four assists in 27 games for the Bruins this season.
Kessel learned he had testicular cancer shortly before playing in a Dec. 9 game against New Jersey. He underwent surgery three days later to remove his right testicle.
"I couldn't believe it," Kessel said last month about his cancer. "It was tough. I had a hard time with it."
Source: ESPN.com
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