Anaheim Ducks acquire Ryan Kesler
The first major domino of NHL Draft has fallen as the Anaheim Ducks have acquired forward Ryan Kesler from the Vancouver Canucks.
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According to ESPN and TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Vancouver Canucks will send the All-Star forward and a third round pick to Anaheim. Going back to Vancouver will be center Nick Bonino, defenseman Luca Sbisa, the 24th overall pick and a third round pick.
In 10 seasons with the Canucks, Kesler has recorded 393 points (182 goals and 211 assists) in 655 games played. He’s played a full 82 games in four of his 10 seasons, and has played in at least 77 games in seven of his 10 years as an NHL regular.
As far as the first round draft pick the Canucks acquired, it’s expected that the team will add it to a package that could go to the Florida Panthers for the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. Needless to say, this could be the first of many big trades Vancouver makes over the next 24 hours.
What do you think of the blockbuster deal that sends Kesler to Anaheim? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Mike’s Musings: A big downfall for the Ducks in the playoffs last season was a lack of scoring presence when it mattered. Kesler should bring a versatile player who can be counted on to pick up the offense when it’s needed most. As far as the rest of the league goes, that should only be the first major deal to take place over the next couple of days at the NHL Draft.