Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler is one of the biggest names currently circulating in the NHL's rumor mill, and it seems that things could be picking up on the eve of the NHL Draft.
NHL trade rumors: Canucks getting closer to Ryan Kesler trade?
Trade talks seem to be picking up around Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler.
Christian Petersen
McKenzie on Team 1040: I do get sense that something has happened in the last 24 that has accelerated things on Ryan Kesler front. #Canucks
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 26, 2014 At his pre-draft media availability on Thursday, Canucks general manager Jim Benning said that they are talking to teams about Kesler and are trying to do what is best for both him and the Canucks. Kesler has been on the block since before the trade deadline, but the Canucks have yet to find an appropriate offer for their longtime center.
Complicating matters is that Kesler has a no-trade clause and has a specific list of teams that he will accept a trade to. It’s believed that Anaheim, Chicago and Pittsburgh are three of the teams on that list, while several others have reportedly tried, and failed, to get on it.
Just before the deadline the Penguins were the team that appeared to be after Kesler the most, but those talks have seemingly cooled off, especially given the front office and coaching changes that have taken place over the past couple of months. Anaheim and Chicago seem to be the front-runners at this point and both would be intriguing options as they not only want to upgrade their center depth, but are in pretty big need of a second-line center.
Kesler, 29, appeared in 77 games for the Canucks last season and scored 25 goals while playing his usual shutdown game defensively.
He still has two years remaining on a contract that pays him $5 million per year.
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