Louis Jean: Sources saying that Canucks Ryan Kesler requested a trade some time ago. The Canucks don’t really want to trade him, but may not have a choice. It could be tough to trade Kesler before the trade deadline, with the draft possibly more a likely time. The Canucks would be looking for a hockey trade and not draft picks. An executive said that if Kesler is available, could change dynamic of deadline. Kesler’s trade request goes back to the start of the season.
Adrian Dater: Ryan Kesler’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, said that Kesler has NOT requested a trade. Says that reports are “BS”
Ben Kuzma: GM Mike Gillis: “Nothing has changed. Some report came out of Sochi. I won’t comment on it under any circumstances and whether Ryan asked or didn’t ask (for a trade). I’m not discussing this. I don’t know who Louis Jean is, I never met the guy.He could have called me.”
Ben Kuzma: “If Kesler asked for a trade in October, being stripped of his ‘A’ was the untold story. And he never warmed to playing wing.”
Iain MacIntyre: If true or not, the Kesler rumors were going on in Sochi according to a colleague of MacIntrye.
Bob McKenzie: Can’t confirm nor reject the rumor, but teams have been calling about Kesler and the Canucks are listening.
Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “It’s possible that Kesler is moved because of the desperation the Canucks are in right now” … “There is some speculation that Kesler and his family may be looking for a move. Tortorella is not an easy coach to play for.” … “Kesler is not the same player he was 3 yrs ago. Buyer beware with him. He’s not as intense, physical or productive as he once was” … “I can’t believe there hasn’t been a Leafs rumour with Kesler. Nonis drafted him. You know, Kadri & Gardiner for Kesler rumour”
David Pagnotta: It could be harder to trade Kesler if his hand is broken. If he’s not traded at the deadline, he could be moved in the offseason.
Josh Rimer: Rimer wonders if we could see a Kesler for Ryan Callahan swap. Dan Murphy: Murphy doesn’t think Kesler wouldn’t want to waive his no-trade clause to play for Alain Vigneault again.
Jason Brough: Brough thinks that Kesler would be a perfect fit with the Red Wings. Problem is the Wings used a lot of cap space on Stephen Weiss.
