Canucks fans have forgiven Kesler, when will team do the same?

Ryan Kesler is beloved by Vancouver Canucks fans, but does the organization feel the same way?

The best defensive forward in franchise history, Kesler ranks 16th in all-time Canucks regular-season scoring and tied for eighth in playoff scoring. He was a beast for the team during their Stanley Cup run in 2011, with his epic series against Nashville in Round 2 now a part of Canucks folklore.

He played 655 games for the Canucks, and not once did anyone question his work ethic.

Based purely on that, Kesler would be a shoo-in for the Ring of Honour.

But of course, there’s more to Kesler’s Canucks story.

Kesler forced his way out of town in 2014, demanding a trade and lying about it when asked by the media. He used his no-trade clause to force the hand of management, reportedly accepting only a trade that would send him to Anaheim or Chicago.

The result was a mediocre return in a trade with the Ducks and a soured relationship with Canucks fans.

Kesler was booed mercilessly in every return to Vancouver. He was hated.

But time has healed this wound.

Kesler wasn’t sure what kind of reception he’d receive when he returned for the Sedins’ jersey retirement in 2020. He received one of the loudest ovations that night.

That was the moment Canucks fans signalled that they forgave Kesler.

To Kesler’s credit, he has expressed remorse about the way things ended in Vancouver, and it’s clear that the love from Canucks fans touches his heart. He said he almost started tearing up after that reception back in 2020.

Kesler made a surprise appearance at Tuesday’s game and was shown on the big screen multiple times. He received huge ovations each time and even had his name chanted by the home crowd.

It begs the question, if Canucks fans have forgiven Kesler, isn’t it time for the organization to do the same?

The 40-year-old hasn’t played an NHL game in five years but has yet to be honoured formally by the club.

“People make mistakes and the Canucks are very near and dear to my heart. I would love to retire a Canuck one day,” Kesler said on Donnie and Dhali yesterday.

“I will never forget that, the way the fans have treated me after everything that happened… I was talking with the wife about that this morning… I would love to retire as a Canuck, my heart is in this city.”

It’s clear from his comments that Kesler would settle for a lesser honour by getting to retire as a Canuck. That’s what the Canucks did for Kevin Bieksa and Alex Edler, but not yet Kesler.

Given what Kesler did for the franchise, that seems like the least they could do.

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