from David Alter of the National Post,

He was the team’s leading scorer and never missed a game throughout his six seasons in Toronto. But when Phil Kessel takes on the Leafs tonight, there will be no acknowledgement of his service over the previous six seasons as a member of the Blue and White.

“Management or game ops will not be commenting on the decision to not acknowledge a former player during the game tonight” said a Leafs spokesperson.

The decision is an interesting one, given the tradition of acknowledging the return of a former player or staff member marking their return to the building for the first time, particularly the size of the contribution Kessel has made.

Last season, the team drew much criticism when the players’ elected not to salute the fans following a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Unlike that decision, this one was made by Maple Leafs management.

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