Despite reports to contrary, Ryan Kesler insisted on Thursday that he's happy to be in Vancouver as a member of the Canucks amidst reports that he requested a trade from the team. While he insists that he wants to be in Vancouver, it will be interesting to see if the Canucks deal him before Wednesday's 3 p.m. NHL trade deadline.
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Kesler vehemently denied a report that he wanted to be dealt this season.
"Completely false," the Canucks center told the Vancouver Sun following the team's practice on Thursday.
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Kesler insisted that he was happy to be in Vacnouver and didn't want to leave the organization.
"Yes, I am happy," he told the paper. "I love my teammates, love the city. My son was born here, grew up here. I am a Canuck and I'm happy to be here."
Kesler has a contract worth $5 million per year that extends through the next two seasons and it comes with a full no-trade clause. Despite reports that Kesler wanted a trade, he said that he and his agent did not discuss any desire to want to be dealt from the Canucks. He also said that the Canucks didn't ask him if he was interested in a trade
There were reports during the Winter Olympics in Sochi that Kesler, a member of Team U.S.A., wanted a trade.
#Canucks F Ryan Kesler categorically denies ever asking for a trade - which is what I reported yesterday.
— Louis Jean (@LouisJean_TVA) February 27, 2014
That being said, I stand 100% behind what I reported because it is true. — Louis Jean (@LouisJean_TVA) February 27, 2014
"False, hashtag sochiproblems," Kesler quipped to the Vancouver Sun. "No, I never commented to anybody that I wanted out. My heart is with this team and making the playoffs."
It was reported by TVA in Montreal that Kesler wanted out of Vancouver, and despite the fact that he denied the rumors, the reporter stuck to their guns on Twitter after Kesler denied the claims:
Kesler was then asked what would happen if the Canucks did approach him for a trade.
"I don't like to comment on what-ifs," he told the publication "They haven't and I don't even want to think about that."
Kesler missed Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues with a hand injury but was a full participant in practice Thursday and will likely play when the Canucks host the Minnesota Wild Friday after saying that the hand "feels fine."
Rumors of Kesler's unhappiness with the team stem from him reportedly being upset when new coach John Tortorella stripped him of his assistant captaincy.
"I think it really does me no good to comment on that," Kesler told NHL.com. "Obviously, I was hurt at the time and I have talked to Torts about it and everything is fine there.
If Kesler hits the open market, he'll likely have many suitors. Kesler, 29, has 38 points in 60 games for Vancouver with 20 goals and 18 assists.
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