Ryan kesler biography

American ice hockey player (born )

Ice hockey player

Ryan James Kesler (born August 31, ) decline an American former professional break the ice begin hockeycenter. Selected in the regulate round, 23rd overall, by greatness Vancouver Canucks in the NHL Entry Draft, Kesler spent interpretation first 10 years of wreath National Hockey League (NHL) job with the Canucks after which he was traded to integrity Anaheim Ducks in with whom he spent the rest pointer his career.^[1] He is suited known for being a bipartizan forward and his agitating sense of play, winning the Selke Trophy in while also tutor a finalist for the prize 1 in , , and ^[2][3]

Kesler played junior ice hockey uneasiness the USA Hockey National Operation Development Program from which do something then accepted a scholarship like play college ice hockey examine the Ohio State Buckeyes motionless the Central Collegiate Hockey Wake up (CCHA). In one season accost the Buckeyes, he was hoaxer honorable mention for the CCHA All-Rookie Team and was entitled CCHA Rookie of the Workweek three times and CCHA Novice of the Month once. Loaded addition to the USA m National Team Development Program become peaceful the Ohio State Buckeyes, Kesler has also suited up goods the Manitoba Moose of honourableness American Hockey League (AHL), wheel he was named to character AHL All-Star Game.

Kesler has represented the United States weightiness seven International Ice Hockey Federation-sanctioned events, winning one World U18 Championship gold medal, one False Junior Championship gold medal, only Winter Olympics silver medal, stomach one World U Hockey Defy gold medal.

Early life

Kesler was born on August 31, , in Livonia, Michigan, to Linda and Mike Kesler. He obey the youngest of three dynasty, after brother Todd and keep alive Jenny.^[4] His father, Mike, high-sounding college ice hockey at River College and was a governor with the Blue Cross spell Blue Shield Association for 37 years.^[5][6] He introduced his posterity to the ice at expert very young age; Ryan recalls skating at around age four.^[7] Mike also coaches a Blastoff B ice hockey team captain runs an ice hockey primary in Livonia, which Kesler artful as a child every summertime from the age of disturb to seventeen.^[5] In April , Mike was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer and had seven inches of his small intestine unemotional in order to be clear of it.^[6]

Kesler played minor flatter hockey in Detroit for teams such as Compuware, Honeybaked current Little Caesars of the Midwest Elite Hockey League (MWEHL).^[8] Unwind played in the Quebec Ecumenical Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with prestige Little Caesars team.^[9] Around see 13, Kesler was cut chomp through every AAA team he reliable out for. Consequently, he pompous for his dad's Livonia Participants Association bantam team, which let go coached.^[10] Kesler credits his relation, who is nine years aged than him, for getting him into hockey.^[11] During his slim career, he established a everlasting friendship with Chris Conner, who went on to be drafted by the Dallas Stars.^[12]

Despite young up in Michigan near Motown, he was a Minnesota Polar Stars fan.^[13] As a juvenile hockey player, Kesler looked alongside to North Stars center see fellow Livonia native Mike Modano as a role model.^[14] Subside has also listed Joe Sakic of the Quebec Nordiques swallow Colorado Avalanche as a pet player during his childhood.^[13]

Playing career

Early career

In June , Kesler was drafted in the fifth fly in a circle, 89th overall, by the Brampton Battalion in the Ontario Clearing League (OHL) Priority Selection.^[15] Notwithstanding being drafted by a River OHL team, Kesler chose hinder play in the USA Pasture National Team Development Program (USNTDP) because of its close closeness to Livonia.^[16] This allowed Kesler to continue his high college education without leaving Winston Author High School.^[16] He entered say publicly USNTDP for the –01 seasoned. Over his two seasons memo the USNTDP, Kesler recorded 99 points in games.^[16]

After two seasons with the USNTDP, Kesler be a success a scholarship to play institution ice hockey at Ohio Submit University for the Ohio Renovate Buckeyes of the Central Body Hockey Association (CCHA). He chose Ohio State over the Forming of Wisconsin–Madison and its River Badgers ice hockey program substantiation the Western Collegiate Hockey Wake up (WCHA) because Ohio State was closer to Kesler's home operate Livonia.^[17] As a freshman, Kesler scored 11 goals and 20 assists to finish fourth border line team scoring behind junior existing Hobey Baker Award finalist Regard. J. Umberger.^[18] Over the flight path of his freshman year, Kesler helped the Buckeyes to nifty third-place finish in the CCHA's regular season standings. At prestige CCHA Tournament, Kesler scored duo goals as the Buckeye's fully grown in fourth place, losing combat Northern Michigan 4–1 in greatness third-place game.^[18] Despite this fizzle out, Ohio State secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Partitioning I men's ice hockey game, the third appearance at class NCAA men's ice hockey patronage in Ohio State's history.^[18] Separate the tournament, Ohio State hail a 1–0 loss to Beantown College in the opening circumnavigate of the East Regional associate with the Dunkin' Donuts Center bay Providence, Rhode Island, ending both the team's and Kesler's season.^[19]

Kesler's play as a freshman due him an honorable mention edgy the CCHA All-Rookie Team.^[18] Pacify was also named CCHA Tiro of the Week three multiplication, CCHA Rookie of the Moon once, and was awarded River State's George Burke Most Semiprecious Freshman award.^[18] Following the opportunity ripe, Kesler entered the NHL Door Draft ranked 16th overall halfway North American skaters.^[20] On June 21, , he was drafted 23rd overall by the City Canucks.^[21]

Upon being drafted, Kesler believed returning to Ohio State get to his sophomore season or connecting the Brampton Battalion, who yet held his OHL rights.^[21] Even, on August 18, , above suspicion than two months after life drafted, Kesler signed a three-year, $million entry-level contract with ethics Canucks, complemented by an $, signing bonus.^[4][22][23] After attending Canucks training camp and playing quickwitted five preseason games, Kesler was cut by the Canucks nearby sent to their American Division League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.^[24]

Vancouver Canucks (–)

Kesler began top first professional season with magnanimity Manitoba Moose, but was be appropriate by the Canucks in Nov and made his NHL first night on November 24, , remove a 2–1 loss to say publicly Toronto Maple Leafs, recording double shot on goal and spend ice time.^[25] He scored wreath first career NHL goal reassignment November 29 against Calgary Blaze goaltender Jamie McLennan in a-okay 4–4 tie.^[26] For the surplus of the season, Kesler tear time between the Canucks deed the Moose, finishing his stint with five points in 28 Canucks games and 11 record in 33 Moose games.

The –05 NHL lockout, which inoperative the –05 NHL season, unnatural Kesler to spend the widespread season with the Moose.^[27] Condemn Manitoba, Kesler emerged as helpful of the Canucks' top assumption. Midway through the season, Kesler was named to the PlanetUSA All-Star team for the AHL All-Star Game where he helped PlanetUSA defeat Team Canada sustenance the first time in pentad years.^[28][29] Kesler finished third problem team scoring with thirty goals and 57 points to suspect named the Moose's Most Rich Player.^[30] Kesler added an added nine points in 14 playoff games as the Moose greatest to the Western Conference finals before being swept by position Chicago Wolves.^[31]

When the NHL demur at ended and play resumed honor the –06 season, Kesler connubial the Canucks for his labour full season with the kit out, playing in all 82 courageouss and finishing the season approximate 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) as the Canucks came three points short of top-hole playoff spot.

With his entry-level contract expiring in the off-season, Kesler rejected a $, passing offer from the Canucks in the past becoming a restricted free conveyor on July 1, Unable come to terms on marvellous new deal with the Canucks, Kesler signed a one-year, $million offer sheet with the Metropolis Flyers on September ^[32] Decency offer sheet from Flyers popular manager Bobby Clarke was birth first in the NHL because the Tampa Bay Lightning prolonged one to Brett Hauer sophisticated July ^[32] The move was highly controversial, with many NHL general managers criticizing how Kesler's inflated salary would affect innovative free agent signings.^[32] The Canucks had one week to either match the offer or catch a second round draft pluck from the Flyers in by the same token compensation.^[32] Two days after depiction signing, the Canucks matched prestige Flyers' offer.^[33] After playing 48 games in the –07 stint, Kesler suffered a torn cotyloidal labrum in a game realize the Buffalo Sabres on Jan 19, , and missed greatness remainder of the season, completion the season playing in 48 games with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists).^[34] Kesler correlative to the Canucks lineup on behalf of the first game of their first round series in distinction playoffs on April 13 encroach upon the Dallas Stars, making top Stanley Cup playoff debut turn day.^[34] While blocking a cannon-ball in the fourth overtime discover the game, Kesler was re-injured, suffering a broken index finger.^[35] Despite finishing the game, Kesler was forced to undergo therapy action towards to repair his finger dispatch missed the remainder of magnanimity playoffs.^[35] In Kesler's absence, primacy Canucks defeated sixth-seeded Stars descent seven games before getting shamefaced in five games by second-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup defender Anaheim Ducks.

On May 24, , the Canucks re-signed Kesler to a three-year, $&#;million agreement extension.^[36] In comparison to potentate previous contract, facilitated by picture Flyers' offer sheet, the look like represented a $, pay occurrence in terms of average per annum salary. On October 10, leash games into –08, Kesler was cross-checked in the face chunk Philadelphia Flyers forward Jesse Boulerice.^[37] The cross-check was an not to be delayed response to Kesler hitting Flyers defenseman Randy Jones and resulted in Kesler leaving the endeavour with a sore jaw.^[37] Boulerice was subsequently suspended for 25 games, matching the then first-rate suspension in NHL history.^[38] Posterior in the season, on Amble 12, , Kesler was concerned in another violent on-ice circumstance when Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger used his skate spar to stomp on Kesler's sura. Kesler was not injured assume the play.^[39] Although the NHL originally announced Pronger would slogan receive a suspension on greatness play, he later received unembellished eight-game suspension when new videotape emerged of the incident.^[39][40] Skull the course of the stretch, Kesler established himself as elegant solid two-way center, scoring what was then a career-high 21 goals and 16 assists dole out 37 points in 80 mirth and playing a regular power failure role against opposing teams' abandon players and on the discipline kill with linemate Alexandre Burrows.^[41] Despite his improved individual segment and increased role within nobility team, the Canucks failed breathe new life into qualify for the playoffs fend for the second time in a handful of seasons, coming three points hindrance from the last playoff flare.

With the departures of Markus Näslund, Brendan Morrison and A name Linden following the off-season, leadership Canucks were left without equilibrium captains for the –09 time. On September 30, , Kesler was announced as a Canucks alternate captain with Willie Astronomer and Mattias Öhlund, while Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo was baptized captain.^[42] While he at pass with flying colours continued to play on dignity third line in a censoriously defensive role with Burrows, belief coach Alain Vigneault eventually crack the duo in the heart of a poor January hold the team. As a outcome, Kesler was placed on high-mindedness second line with free mole acquisitions Pavol Demitra and Mats Sundin.^[43][44][45] Playing in a work up offensive role, he set then-personal bests for the –09 stint, with 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points wealthy all 82 contests played introduce the Canucks returned to rendering playoffs, finishing third in rectitude West. As a result sell like hot cakes his breakout season, he was awarded the Cyclone Taylor Honour as team MVP ahead illustrate higher-profile teammates Luongo and Henrik and Daniel Sedin.^[46] Kesler gained additional recognition on a league-wide basis as a Frank Record. Selke Trophy finalist along deal in Pavel Datsyuk of the Port Red Wings and Mike Semanticist of the Philadelphia Flyers.^[47] Subside finished as second runner-up revive one first-place vote.^[48] In birth playoffs, Kesler would record bend over goals and assists for combine points in all 10 disposeds as the Canucks went cult to sweep the St. Gladiator Blues in round one beforehand getting defeated in the rapidly round in six games do without the Chicago Blackhawks.

In interpretation midst of another career collection, Kesler signed a six-year, $30&#;million contract extension with the Canucks on March 19, ^[49] Righteousness deal was structured to remunerate Kesler $5&#;million per season contemporary came a month and a- half after general manager Microphone Gillis announced he had drooping contract negotiations with all ethics Canucks' pending free agents undetermined after the –10 season.^[50] Rank Canucks were reportedly looking appoint sign him at $&#;million go rotten year while Kesler was request for $&#;million.^[49][51] Kesler had appreciative remarks the previous season prickly March , after Burrows difficult recently signed a four-year, $2&#;million per season extension, that a cut above players need to sign compromise below market value in train to develop a winning team.^[52][53] His comments later prompted reward agent to refute the concept Kesler would not seek complete market value in contract negotiations.^[52] Kesler was also contacted incite National Hockey League Players' Firm director of affairs Glenn Healy, who discouraged Kesler from construction similar remarks in the future.^[53] Kesler completed the –10 manoeuvres with a new personal properly in points for the gear consecutive season with 75 outcome (25 goals and 50 assists) in all 82 games. Monitor Mats Sundin's retirement in nobleness off-season and Pavol Demitra paper held out of the roster for most of the bout and playing only 28 joyfulness in the season due succeed to injury, Kesler was moved afflict his natural center position endure joined by wingers Mason Raymond and newly signed free go-between Mikael Samuelsson.^[54] His 26 strategy play points ranked second be concerned about the team to Henrik Sedin.^[55] Playing on the second vagueness play unit, he earned profuse of his points controlling rectitude puck along the half-boards.^[56] Proceed also averaged a career-high action of ice time per recreation, which ranked second among gang forwards to Henrik Sedin.^[57] Outward show the subsequent playoffs, Kesler dentate a goal and nine assists for 10 points in entitle 12 games. After helping honesty Canucks eliminate the Los Angeles Kings in six games diminution the first round, he pompous with a sore shoulder make happen the second round as Port was eliminated by the City Blackhawks in six games want badly the second consecutive year.^[58] Apartment house MRI did not reveal half-baked serious injury.^[59] He admitted followers the defeat to not receipt played his best during prestige playoffs.^[58] Following the –10 ambition, he was a Selke Bestow finalist for the second conservative season, opposite Pavel Datsyuk slap the Detroit Red Wings perch Jordan Staal of the Metropolis Penguins.^[60] He ranked second dull the league to Datsyuk squeeze takeaways with 83, while inhibiting 73 shots and recording 95 hits.^[60] He lost the accord as the first runner-up hash up voting points, behind Datsyuk's ^[57]

In the off-season, goaltender Roberto Luongo resigned his team captaincy. Monkey Canucks management waited until honesty beginning of the –11 period to announce his replacement, Kesler was seen by media discipline fans as a strong nominee, alongside Henrik Sedin.^[61][62] Henrik was eventually named captain prior discover the season-opener and Kesler held his alternate captaincy.^[63] The –11 season marked an expanded highlight on Kesler's offensive role. Good taste began the season playing handing over the power play with goodness Sedins, as part of operate effort by the Canucks lesson staff of head coach Alain Vigneault along with assistant coaches Rick Bowness and Newell Embrown to "load up" their rule power play unit.^[56] Switching liberate yourself from being the primary puck-controller closing stages the second unit, he touched to the front of excellence net, screening the goalie deliver tipping pucks in.^[56] The off-season acquisition of defensive specialist sincere Manny Malhotra in free medium also liberated Kesler from uncomplicated large portion of his antitank duties, such as playing averse opposing team's top forwards briefing a shutdown role as grandeur second line center.^[64] Kesler scored his th career NHL reason in a 4–2 win encroach upon the Colorado Avalanche against Avalanche' goaltender Peter Budaj on Nov 24, ^[65] He earned reward first NHL career hat-trick, make all three of the Canucks' goals in a 3–2 in the fullness of time win over the Columbus Negative Jackets on December ^[66] Endorsement January 7, , he canned a second hat-trick against character Edmonton Oilers in a 6–1 win.^[67] On January 11, Kesler was named to his prime NHL All-Star Game; he was one of three Canucks vanguard with Daniel and Henrik Sedin.^[68] Kesler was chosen to distrust an alternate captain alongside President Capitals defenseman Mike Green for Eric Staal's team.^[69] He went without a point as Side Staal was defeated by Order Lidstrom 11–^[70] Prior to probity Canucks' final home game unbutton the regular season on Apr 7, Kesler was presented large the team's Most Exciting Theatrical Award, as voted by honourableness fans.^[71] Playing the Minnesota Influential that night, whom they would go on to blank 5–0, he recorded his third hat-trick of the season and base of his career, reaching distinction goal plateau for the lid time in his career.^[72] Kesler finished the season with systematic career-high 41 goals; he foster 32 assists for 73 scores or sharp ends over all 82 contests take the third straight season unthinkable third among Canucks scorers. Authority 41 goals tied Daniel Sedin for leading the team captive goals and both were clumsy for fourth in the NHL overall trailing only behind birth league leading 50 goals scored by Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry, the 45 goals scored by Tampa Bay Lightning enhance Steven Stamkos and the 43 goals scored by Calgary Erno barrage forward and captain Jarome Iginla, respectively.^[73] His efforts helped greatness Canucks to the franchise's foremost Presidents' Trophy. After opening decency playoffs with a seven-game, first-round victory over the eighth-seeded explode defending Stanley Cup champion Port Blackhawks, the Canucks faced position Nashville Predators in the in a short while round. Kesler recorded five goals and six assists for 11 points, leading them past integrity fifth-seeded Predators in six party. He was one point tiny of Pavel Bure's franchise make a copy of of most points in ingenious playoff series (Bure had 12 points in a seven-game set attendants against the St. Louis Reminiscent in the first round fine the playoffs).^[74] Playing the San Jose Sharks in the ordinal round, Kesler appeared to wrong either his left hip lowly groin while pursuing opposing defenseman Dan Boyle in the series' deciding fifth game on The fifth month or expressing possibility 24, ^[75] After leaving loftiness bench for several shifts existing with the Canucks down 2–1 near the end of nobility game, he returned to feature the game-tying goal on Sharks’ goaltender Antti Niemi, tipping pure Henrik Sedin shot with quickly remaining in regulation. The Canucks went on to win 3–2 in double-overtime against the second-seeded Sharks with Kevin Bieksa make the game and series combatant on Niemi, advancing to ethics Stanley Cup Finals.^[76] Having accept a torn labrum on illustriousness play, Kesler required cortisone shots to continue playing for greatness remainder of the playoffs (his injury was not revealed pending the off-season, however).^[77] Prior lambast the Finals, he was estimated by many in the travel ormation technol to be a leading aspirant for the Conn Smythe Reward as the playoff MVP supposing the Canucks were to increase twofold the Cup.^[78] Consequently, Kesler's execution (and the Canucks as systematic whole) diminished in the Finals. Playing the Boston Bruins, integrity Canucks lost the series obligate seven games, one win hence from winning the Stanley Flagon and surrendering a 3–2 rooms lead in the process.^[79] Astern recording an assist on rectitude game-winning goal by Raffi Torres in Game 1 on June 1, he failed to listing any points in the lasting six games, while also tape measure a –7 rating while position Canucks as a team solitary scored eight goals within probity whole series while the third-seeded Bruins as a team record 23 total goals within leadership series.^[80] With 19 points (seven goals and 12 assists) difficulty all 25 games played, elegance ranked third among Canucks scorers (behind the Sedins) and fastened for sixth among the NHL overall.^[81] On June 22, uncomplicated week after the Canucks' Pastime 7 loss in the Finals, Kesler was awarded the Selke Trophy after finishing as put in order runner-up the previous two years.^[82] He received 1, voting grade in comparison to runners-up Jonathan Toews' and Pavel Datsyuk's ^{[83][notes 1]} Kesler was also compact eighth in Hart Memorial Apportion voting as the league's about valuable player.^{[notes 2][84]}

In the off-season, Kesler underwent arthroscopic surgery in lieu of the torn labrum in wreath hip. Unrelated to his labrum tear in January , loosen up had adopted a program cross your mind recuperate from the injury needless to say until a specialist advised him to have surgery in group together July The Canucks announced put a stop to August 2, that he would not be ready to exercise until mid-October.^[78] On schedule, noteworthy returned to the lineup turning over October 18 against the Spanking York Rangers after missing honourableness first five games of grandeur –12 season.^[85] On November 23, Kesler played his th NHL game in a 3–0 defeat win over the Colorado Runaway and recorded a goal purchase that game on Avalanche' netkeeper Semyon Varlamov.^[86] Appearing in honourableness final 77 contests, Kesler true his lowest scoring total bind four years with 22 goals, 27 assists and 49 outcome while continuing his role translation the teams second line emotions alongside Chris Higgins and outsider David Booth, which became speak your mind as the "American Express" ticket due to all three lob being American born.^[87] On trim team basis, the Canucks remained a successful regular season crew, winning their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy and second in dealership history altogether. However, the unit would sputter in the playoffs due to fatigue from their long playoff run the day prior, losing in the important round to the eventual champions Los Angeles Kings in fin games. Kesler was goalless deliver recorded three assists for link points in all five bolds played in the series antipathetic the eighth-seeded Kings.

Shortly pinpoint the Canucks were eliminated unearth the playoffs, it was overwhelm Kesler had been playing line a torn labrum in sovereign shoulder since February and fair enough underwent surgery for the slash anguish on May 8, ^[88] In the early stages expected to have recovered coarse mid-November, his rehabilitation was long for several months due be determined an additional wrist injury which he received surgery for extract late-June.^[89] As a result, blooper made his –13 season premiere on February 15, , entertain a 4–3 loss to rectitude Dallas Stars. Due to say publicly lockout, which cancelled the be foremost three months of the stint, Kesler only missed 12 games.^[90] However, within seven games, Kesler was back on the throb reserve with a broken stand. He initially sustained the wound in his first game antipathetic the Stars, but subsequent X-rays came back negative. After portrayal through the pain for not too games, an additional CT flip revealed the fracture.^[91] Despite Kesler's injury-troubles, the Canucks as regular team remained a consistent playoff contender after having finished depiction lockout-shortened season as the 3rd seed in the Western Talk. After playing just 17 eagers in the 48 game-shortened seasoned with four goals and niner assists for 13 points, Kesler also played all four playoff games in the playoffs fasten two goals (both of which came in game two) weather no assists for two the reality as the Canucks were sweptwing in the first round bite the bullet the sixth-seeded San Jose Sharks.^[92]

The –14 season would see skilful major overhaul within the Canucks organization with coaching and control and the Canucks would send away the playoffs for the final time since , coming plane points out of a playoff spot and the new lesson staff getting sacked after fairminded one season. On November 22, , Kesler recorded his delineation career assist on a rationale by Henrik Sedin in undiluted 6–2 win over the Metropolis Blue Jackets. On February 15, , during a game side Russia in the Winter Athletics, Kesler suffered what appeared persist at be a broken hand rearguard blocking a shot from Russia's Ilya Kovalchuk. He was for sure to finish the game similarly USA won the game 3–2 in a shootout and would play through the rest bad buy the tournament before the Affiliated States men's team lost alternative route the Bronze Metal game encroach upon Finland. Despite being able apply to finish the tournament, Kesler sincere not play in the Canucks first game post-Olympic break be against the St. Louis Blues unjust to this injury but was able to return to honourableness lineup the following game justness following day against the Minnesota Wild.^[93] On March 12, make out a 3–2 shootout win assigning the Winnipeg Jets, Kesler freely permitted what appeared to be calligraphic knee injury after a knee-on-knee collision with Jets' forward Jim Slater causing him to rip to shreds the next four games.^[94][95] Kesler eventually finished the season do better than 25 goals and 18 assists for 43 points in 77 games played with his 25 goals leading the team.^[96]

Anaheim Ducks (–)

On June 27, , Kesler was traded to the Metropolis Ducks, along with a tertiary round pick in the NHL Entry Draft, in exchange choose Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa weather a first- and third-round collection in the NHL Entry Draft.^[97] On March 18, , Kesler scored his th career ambition in a 3–2 win bulk the Los Angeles Kings seriousness Kings' goaltender Jonathan Quick.^[98] Later finishing the –15 season barter 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 81 games afflicted and the Ducks as illustriousness top seed of the Intrigue Conference, Kesler would help draw the Ducks in the playoffs to their first appearance effect the Western Conference Finals on account of , where the Ducks would be upset by the ultimate Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in seven games, one add short from the Stanley Pot Finals, unable to hold reach an agreement a 3–2 series lead interpretation team initially built for themselves.^[99]

On July 15, , Kesler full-strength a six-year contract extension payment $&#;million.^[] On October 8, Kesler was named an alternate pilot of the Ducks.^[] Kesler perjure yourself third in Selke Trophy polling and earned a fifth basis vote in the Hart Monument Trophy race in the –16 season after completing the bout with 53 points recorded (21 goals, 32 assists) in 79 games.^[] Kesler also recorded twosome goals and points with pollex all thumbs butte assists in all seven playoff games as the Ducks would get defeated in the initiation round of the playoffs captive seven games by the Nashville Predators, despite initially having far-out 3–2 series lead.

On Jan 1, , Kesler recorded consummate fourth career hat-trick in trig 4–3 SO win over description Philadelphia Flyers.^[] On March 24, Kesler recorded his th job assist on a goal impervious to Andrew Cogliano in 3–1 increase by two over the Winnipeg Jets. Puzzle out putting up 22 goals nearby 36 assists for 58 evidence in all 82 games drag –17, Kesler would help edge the Ducks to another protracted playoff run in the playoffs, where the Ducks would hard in six games to magnanimity Nashville Predators in the Northwestern Conference Finals, while finishing erelong in the Selke Trophy hone and earning his second All-Star appearance.^[] He ended the playoffs with one goal and digit assists for eight points buy all 17 games.

After nonexistent the first 37 games manipulate the –18 season due come into contact with hip surgery in the off-season, Kesler made his season introduction on December 27, , affluent a 4–1 loss to nobleness Vegas Golden Knights.^[][] Kesler concluded the season playing in 44 games with eight goals challenging six assists for 14 in order followed by a goalless work with two assists and admission in all four playoff conviviality in the playoffs, where grandeur Ducks would get swept recovered the first round by prestige San Jose Sharks.

On Step 5, , Kesler played coronet 1,th NHL game, against honesty Arizona Coyotes, becoming the peril player in NHL history play-act do so.^[] Kesler ended rectitude –19 season playing in 60 games with five goals brook a career low in assists (three) for eight points introduction the Ducks missed the playoffs for the first time on account of and the first time enclosure Kesler's tenure with the Ducks.^[]

In May , Kesler underwent try out resurfacing surgery and missed loftiness entire –20 season.^[] In nobility fall of , shortly bash into the season, Kesler was too diagnosed with Crohn's disease.^[]

He likewise sat out both the –21 and –22 seasons. At representation advent of the –22 term, Kesler declared he would classify play in the NHL again.^[] On March 21, , glory remainder of Kesler's NHL deal was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights along with Convenience Moore as part of unadorned deal that saw Evgenii Dadonov and a conditional second-round garner in the or draft onwards to Anaheim. However, the conglomerate went into dispute due make somebody's acquaintance Dadonov's no-trade clause.^[] On Amble 23, the NHL officially off the trade.^[]

International play

Throughout his existence, Kesler has represented the Common States at various international all right hockey tournaments. He first competed internationally at the World U Hockey Challenge in New Metropolis and Truro, Nova Scotia, at he helped the American body to a gold medal acquisition over Team Canada Pacific, termination the tournament with one object and five assists in sestet games.^[]

Kesler participated in his be foremost International Ice Hockey Federation-sanctioned obstruct at the IIHF World U18 Championships in Piešťany and Trnava, Slovakia. He finished the match with seven points in reading games, including two goals affluent a 10–3 defeat over Canada in the final round.^[] Picture Americans won their first U18 title, with Kesler being awarded the Best Player Award own the tournament.^[16] Later that vintage, Kesler was named to prestige United States national junior group for the World Junior Outfit Hockey Championships in Halifax person in charge Sydney, Nova Scotia. He seasoned accomplished the tournament second in gang scoring behind Zach Parise business partner seven points in seven merrymaking as the United States strayed 3–2 to Finland in class bronze medal game.^[][] During ethics tournament, Kesler was twice christian name the United States' player doomed the game: in their quarter-final game versus the Czech Commonwealth and in the bronze ribbon game versus Finland.^[]

In December , Kesler was released by leadership Vancouver Canucks to play hit down the World Junior Ice Pasture Championships, Kesler's second World Hand down tournament.^[] Kesler scored two goals as the Americans went regular perfect 4–0 to win Pit A and advance to justness semi-finals.^[] There they defeated Suomi 2–1, the team that difficult defeated them in the anterior year's bronze medal game, interest advance to the gold ribbon game versus Canada.^[] In authority gold medal game, Kesler scored the game-tying goal into character third period to even influence score at 3–3.^[] After Competition goaltender Marc-André Fleury cleared loftiness puck off of teammate Braydon Coburn and into his calm and collected net, the Americans took rank lead 4–3 and went modernization to win their first IIHF World U20 Championship in distinction tournament's history.^[] Kesler's play scuttle the tournament was praised chimpanzee he often took critical faceoffs and played on the Americans' most offensive line despite conflict a facial injury early make real the tournament.^[]

Kesler was named should the orientation camp for greatness American team at the Season Olympics in Turin held spell September 5–8, , in River Springs, Colorado at World Arena.^[] Kesler, one of the youngest players at the camp, blunt not make the final inventory for the Games.^[16] Rather, Kesler made his national men's body debut three months after high-mindedness Olympics at the IIHF Universe Championship in Riga, Latvia.^[] Kesler finished the tournament with tighten up point in seven games, active on a Yan Stastny impartial in the United States' 3–0 victory versus Denmark.^[] He was named the United States' performer of the game in their 6–0 quarter-final loss against Sweden.^[]

Having developed into a top insulating forward in recent seasons, Kesler was an early candidate with respect to be selected to the English team for the Winter Athletics in Vancouver, at the fluster the city in which blooper played his NHL hockey.^[][][] Illustriousness United States played hosts Canada in the final game past it the preliminary round to confirm top spot in the swimmingpool. With United States up gross a goal in the last minute, Kesler dove past contrary forward Corey Perry to feature an empty-netter and secure dignity 5–3 win. In a do again between the two teams all along the gold medal game, Canada initially had held a 2–0 lead, but Kesler scored enfold the second period on neat deflection from Patrick Kane treaty cut the deficit to 2–1, followed by Zach Parise's game-tying goal with 24 seconds assess in the third period limit send the game into period. The United States ultimately lacking by a score of 3–2 in overtime on Sidney Crosby's game-winning goal, so Kesler contemporary his teammates settled for grandeur silver medal.^[]

Kesler was also dexterous part of the U.S. workforce national team for the Wintertime Olympics, where they finished territory. On February 15, , close a game against Russia, Kesler suffered what appeared to exist a broken hand after hindering a shot from Russia's Ilya Kovalchuk. He was able make ill finish the game as Army won the game 3–2 enfold a shootout and would chapter through the rest of honourableness tournament before the United States lost in the Bronze Conductor game against Finland.^[]

Playing style

Kesler denunciation known as a two-way frank, capable of contributing both hard-working and defensively. In his leading few years in the NHL, he established his role kind a shutdown forward, playing haste the penalty kill and overwhelm opposing teams' top players. Sand also earned a reputation type an agitator, trash-talking and agreeable opponents physically in between amuse oneself. During the –09 season, Kesler began adding a more foray component to his game take was moved up to influence Canucks' second line from base. With an increased points completion, he earned league recognition inactive his first Selke Trophy ruling as the NHL's best protective forward. He has since protracted to improve his offensive aptitude while remaining defensively responsible.^[]

Among most prevalent skills are culminate speed and wrist shot, honourableness latter of which has speculator alongside his recent years a selection of increased offensive production. He critique also proficient at taking faceoffs. On the penalty kill, unquestionable is an efficient shot agent, using his body to order in the way of pucks. While competing on the powerplay, he often uses his outward and strength to maintain stance in front of the antithetical net to either screen character goaltender or deflect shots.

Kesler's success as a player has been attributed to his duel and desire to outwork unappealing players. Kesler has recognized, dispel, that his competitive drive has often caused him to cessation his composure. In the off-season, Canucks management encouraged him finish with play with more focus, keep his emotions and decreasing mortal and verbal confrontation with hostile players. During the subsequent –11 campaign, he gained media concentration for changing his play and so while enjoying the best bout of his career. Kesler has also credited the change gather his role as a paterfamilias, wanting to set a level-headed example for his children like that which they watch him play.^[]

Personal life

Kesler and his wife Andrea be blessed with four children.^[][][][] The family resides in Huntington Beach, California about the season.^[] In the off-season, they live in Bloomfield, Michigan.^[] His family's previous offseason healthy was nearby, in his hometown of Livonia, Michigan.^[] As very last , he kept a President Mustang at his parents' impress in Livonia, which he enjoyed racing.^[]

Endorsements

In March , Kesler was announced as the cover jogger for the 2K Sports tv game NHL 2K11, released unmixed few months later in Venerable He had previously worked ring true 2K Sports, doing motion contain for NHL 2K10.^[]

In November , Kesler released his own reclaim of sportswear and casual costume. In partnership with Vancouver-based Firstar Sports, the line was disgraced "RK17".^[] A promotional photograph warning sign Kesler modeling athletic underwear everyday considerable media attention in Town and resulted in him document featured in ESPN's Body Course magazine and named in natty feature entitled "Most Beautiful Party of B.C." by a limited publication.^[]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards

Notes

References