Things just keep going from bad to worse for the Vancouver Canucks. Already slipping in the Western Conference playoff picture, four points behind Dallas for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference (and the Stars have three games in hand), now the Canucks have learned that they will be without centre Ryan Kesler for several weeks due to a sprained knee.
Ryan Kesler has a sprained knee and is out “at least a couple of weeks” said Torts. #Canucks
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) March 14, 2014
The 29-year-old pivot left Wednesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets after a knee-on-knee collision with Jim Slater in the second period. Slater received a tripping penalty on the play, while Kesler did not return to the game. He has been undergoing tests in Vancouver over the last couple of days.
Kesler, who was also part of the US Olympic Team in Sochi, has played 67 games this season for Vancouver, scoring 22 goals and 18 assists for 40 points. He leads the Canucks in goals, is tied for the team lead in points, and his 22:08 average ice time per game is tops amongst NHL forwards. In addition to the offence he provides Kesler often plays against the other team’s best line and is a former Selke winner.
There were numerous rumors and much speculation about Ryan Kesler being traded prior to the March 5th trade deadline, but ultimately the Canucks decided to keep him. There continues to be rumors that he could be moved in the off-season.
The Canucks are also without Daniel Sedin who will also miss several weeks with his hamstring strain.
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