Ryan Kesler wants another chance with the Vancouver Canucks.
The American-born forward’s time with the team didn’t end on great terms. He requested a trade and limited the destinations he was willing to go to, handicapping the team’s bargaining power. It seems now that Kesler would like nothing more than to put the past behind him and retire with the organization.
The Canucks have recognized former teammates Alex Edler, Kevin Bieksa, Roberto Luongo, and Alex Burrows in some fashion but Kesler hasn’t been extended the same offer.
The former star centre wants to change that and sign a one-day contract with the Canucks to retire as a member of the team.
“I would love that,” said Kesler on Donnie & Dhali today. “My heart is definitely still here in the city. Now that I’m retired, looking back on it, I left to win a Cup and I definitely, I can say I honestly regret that now.”
“People make mistakes and the Canucks are very near and dear to my heart. I would love to retire a Canuck one day.”
Kesler is still clearly loved by fans in the city. He had his name chanted in Rogers Arena last night after being shown on the big screen and later hopped on stage at The Roxy.
“I will never forget that, the way the fans have treated me after everything that happened,” continued the forward. “I was talking with the wife about that this morning about that, I would love to retire as a Canuck, my heart is in this city.”
The rugged two-way player had one of the best seasons in franchise history in 2011 when he won the Selke Trophy and scored 40 goals. He also ranks 16th all-time in points, 14th all-time in goals, and eighth in short-handed goals in team history.
“I can say I honestly regret that now..”@Ryan_Kesler on the end of his time with the #Canucks and if he would like to retire as a Canuck.
Full interview posted soon. pic.twitter.com/noF4f9n3TH
— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) November 13, 2024