In many ways, Ryan Kesler was the connecting fiber between what’s become an increasingly working class city and this most white collar and often inaccessible franchise. 

His style of hockey was efficient, if simple and embodied all the virtues that we often associate with the more romantic aspects of the game. Like most Canucks stars during his stay in Vancouver, Kesler could score in bunches. What separated him from his more prolific peers was his bang and crash style and reckless abandon physically.

Sure, he’s left this city a villain, but I think in time he’ll be remembered a hero. All things heal with time, after all. 

One of the more entertaining personal rivalries in hockey, Jarome Iginla and Kesler always managed to find each other at one point or another in games:

For fans of the Canucks and Canada alike, this snippet gave us an opportunity to view Kesler through somebody else’s lens. He wasn’t overly endearing:

When Kesler was at his absolute best, there was no stopping him:

This, on a bummed hip:

This one was a long time coming:

His diving really was a bit much, if we’re being entirely honest:

The hero turns villain:

The villain returns:

Drafted by Brian Burke, 23rd Overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the Canucks hoped to develop Kesler into a well-rounded, defense oriented center that would likely fill the three-hole in the foreseeable future. In Kesler’s introductory campaigns with the Canucks, he met those expectations to a tee. When given an expanded role in his second season under the tutelage of Alain Vigneault, Kesler shined.

Kesler offensive game developed into that of a one-shot scorer – the type of player the current Canucks roster is lacking. Kesler was often (and rightly) criticized for his inability to use his wingers. That said, there are many who would argue that the Canucks failed to provide him with solid running mates for the entirety of his stay in Vancouver. 

The abrasive center was at his absolute best between 2009-11, tallying a pair of 70+ point seasons – one of which came with 41 goals. He was rewarded for his efforts with a Selke trophy at the end of the 2010-11 campaign.

When speaking on Kesler’s time as a Canuck, most will instantly pan to memories of his dominance throughout the first three round of the 2011 playoffs. His performance against the Nashville Predators was especially brilliant, seeing Kesler pot 11 points in the 6 game series (5 goals, 6 assists). His encore against the San Jose Sharks was strong as well – although, a severe hip injury drained the tank in time for the Canucks Stanley Cup Final match against the Bruins.

Kesler was never the same after that run. There wasn’t much tread left on that tire and injuries continued to minimize his effectiveness with each passing season thereafter. It all came to a head in the 2013-14 campaign, when Kesler was overheard in Sochi proclaiming that he wanted out of Vancouver. This was later confirmed by Jason Botchford, who went on to add that Kesler wanted out considerably earlier than had been leaked. 

The Canucks eventually granted Kesler his wish, dealing him to the Anaheim Ducks at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, in exchange for Luca Sbisa, Nick Bonino and a first-round selection, which was used on Jared McCann.

This has soured Kesler in the eyes of many Canucks fans and while I don’t count myself among them, I can certainly see there point. While some might argue that Kesler screwed the Canucks, being completely inflexible in his demands – as you’ll recall, Kesler was only willing to waive for the Anaheim Ducks. By that same token, Kesler was a heart-and-soul player, who led the charge in signing very team-friendly deals in the height of the Mike Gillis era. That he used his leverage to the fullest shouldn’t necessarily be held against him, especially given the world of wiggle room his contract afforded the Canucks.