Fansided

NHL Trade Rumors: Ryan Kesler’s Situation With Vancouver Canucks

By Jeff Langridge

Feb 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler (17) during the pre game warm up against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler (17) during the pre game warm up against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

One of the most intriguing situations entering the March 5 NHL Trade Deadline is what will happen with the Vancouver Canucks. A lot has been said on who might be available and what the Canucks would want in return. Sure names like Alex Edler have been in the rumor mill all year, but a surprising name has popped up recently. That name is Ryan Kesler.

There has been plenty of speculation on whether or not Kesler has asked for a trade out of Vancouver but it seems certain that the Canucks have included his name in trade talks. During a recent Insider Trading Segment on TSN, Darren Dreger was asked if Kesler shutting down the rumors that he wants out was the end of it or whether he could still be traded. This is what Dreger had to say.

"There has to have been some level of dialogue between Ryan Kesler and the Vancouver Canucks, or the Canucks telling Kesler that they need to improve, they need to get younger, they need to add a bit more offensive punch. They’re going to start sifting some names out there to rival teams and his name is going to be among them.Because here’s what I know. I know that teams were contacted as far back as a month ago to say ‘have a look at our roster. If there is a member of this organization that you want to take a run at then we’re listening, we’re open for business.’ And that includes Ryan Kesler."

He was then asked if a deal could get done in the next five days leading up to the deadline.

"It’s a complicated deal because Kesler is a valuable asset of the Vancouver Canucks. He’s got a contract that makes a lot of sense. Financially, he is sound. He is a bargain, frankly, as long as he plays up to his level of potential. But is it realistic? Yes, because of the interest that will be out there. There will be interest from so many different teams, and we know as I said earlier that the Canucks have reached out.But the Canucks need premium return to make this deal a reality and six days away from the trade deadline is not a lot of time to close on such a big deal."

This could be another case that is similar to the Roberto Luongo situation last year. We all know how that turned out so it might be best for both parties if the Canucks can work out a deal and send Kesler to another team. The Canucks need to get younger, Kesler is a talent that can get them young players in return.

Home/NHL