The NHL trade deadline almost took a drastic turn after rumors surfaced that Ryan Kesler had requested a move from the Vancouver Canucks. The reports come after the center injured his hand while blocking a shot during Team USA's win over Russia in the 2014 Winter Olympics. All parties have denied the notion, but the Canucks are looking to improve and anything is possible at the deadlie.
General manager Mike Gillis addressed the rumors that Kesler had approached the team about waiving his no-trade clause in search of a move elsewhere. Gillis has already said the team is looking to be buyers at the deadline in search of a player to complement Kesler and there were no discussions about letting the star leave.
"If we discussed every internal or personal issue we have as an organization, we wouldn't stay in business very long," Gillis said, via the Vancouver Sun. "So I'm not going to comment on it. The reports are what they are. They came out of Russia somehow, I don't know anything about it. I am not going to talk about anything internal, whether he (Kesler) has asked or not asked to be traded, whether any other player has asked to be traded."
While Gillis took the "say nothing" approach, Kesler's agent flat out denied the idea that his client was ready for a change. Reporter Adrian Dater tweeted out, "Ryan Kesler has NOT requested a trade, his agent Kurt Overhardt tells me. Says reports saying so are "BS"."
There has been plenty of speculation that Kesler could be traded. Back at the start of February, TSN's Pierre LeBrun said the only players safe were the Sedin twins and everyone else was fair game. The center currently leads the Canucks with 20 goals and will make $5 million per season through 2015-16. The no-trade clause in his contract will certainly complicate any trade Gillis might be secretly looking at. Not to mention his hand injury which has yet to be fully diagnosed might have teams thinking otherwise.
So where could Kesler be headed if he is to be traded? Fans can expect every team to at least inquirer about a price tag for him. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in need of a forward. The Washington Capitals could also make a play as they need a forward to boost secondary scoring. Will either team make a run at Kesler, probably not because he likely is not available.
