- 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.