Ryan Kesler Interview With Puck Daddy

by Sean Zandberg on Aug 7, 2009 1:29 PM PDT in Offseasons Suck Comment 19 comments

As commenter Snep-ish pointed out, Greg Wyshynski has posted an interview with the Keslord today, and it's great. He talks about:

-gaming

-the greatness of Mats Sundin being his center

-but most importantly, when asked about his future with the Canucks, as he becomes a UFA next summer, Kesler responded:

You know what? I want to get something done before the season starts, but if it doesn't happen then it doesn't happen. I want to stay in Vancouver. I love it, my family loves it. It's a great city; maybe the most beautiful city in North America. The Canucks are a great organization.
Obviously, I'm gonna stay there and I want to stay there. If the media wants to ask me about it, I'll say, "Yeah, I want to stay there." I'll let the media ask me about it once, and then after that I won't answer a single question about it."

And you're possibly going to take a pay cut to stay here, right Kes?

Great stuff. So, now I have to ask....

Kesler called Mats Sundin "his" centerman and that of course he wants him back. There was a point blank obvious chemistry between the 2. Without Sundin in Vancouver, can the Keslord put up the same numbers as last year? (26 goals and 59 points?) He will probably move to the center position between Demitra (Demo) and Samuelsson (Son of Sam). He will no doubt be under some pressure this year to step up again offensively.

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That makes one person that wants Mats back. Anyone else? Bueller?

by puckreport on Aug 7, 2009 1:41 PM PDT reply actions

Good read.

I could see Kes taking a Mike Richards type deal.

by cyxj on Aug 7, 2009 1:57 PM PDT reply actions

ie. longer term, medium cap hit (8 years, $4mil cap hit)

by cyxj on Aug 7, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree. This is all a good sign from Kesler. We’ll see what happens. Watch him get an extension before Luongo does.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Aug 7, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, those types of interviews are the best. Laid back. Great answers from Kesler. It’s like talking to him over a beer or something. Kudos to Puck Daddy on this one.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Aug 7, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Why doesn't Sundin sign for cheap?

Okay, here’s a thought, if Sundin really wants to win a cup, why doesn’t he sign for cheap near the end of his career, in Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Detroit, wherever.

Selanne and Kariya tried this in Colorado – might have worked out, but they got injured.

Anyway, the point is Sundin has tons of money but no Lord Stanley. By signing cheap he accomplishes three things

1) another million or two
2) he plays on a team that is now better than the cap hit would suggest
3) he shows its not all about Mats

I’m not holding my breath, but if Mats is serious about winning a cup, this may be his last best chance. Holding out for big dollars is not going to work – unless all he wants are more dollars.

He may retire anyway, but if not, Mats should be thinking carefully about how to fit on a team he can help put “over the top”.

by tsusiat on Aug 7, 2009 2:32 PM PDT reply actions

It all comes down to cap space once again. That’s why I think he makes up his mind at Xmas again (in which case I kill him) or he’s retiring. I would expect a retirement announcement within 2 months myself.

So, is Kesler going to have the same or more success this year?

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Aug 7, 2009 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

Comes down to the linemates, it’s as simple as that. Son of Sam better be up to it or maybe it’s time to reunite Burrows with Kesler. I still can’t see Sundin on this team without a gigantic pay cut.

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Aug 7, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions

No way in hell Sundin comes back.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Aug 7, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Move Kes with the Twins?

by Bobby Canuck on Aug 7, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Kesler=Fine Wine

Its a good thing I’m not a GM, I’d just give Kesler a blank check when
his contract comes up. He’ll win a Conn Smythe one of these days.

by Sneps-ish on Aug 7, 2009 5:56 PM PDT reply actions

No way Sundin comes back

Really who needs Sundin the Canuck have forwards coming out of their ears. There are so many options on Keslers wings including Raymond, Bernier, Hanson, Grabner, Burr, Demirta, and Samuelson.

I would not read too much into the Kes interview. He is a very repectful guy but in his heart of hearts i think he would prefer to work with someone a little younger and faster.

by Kelownakid on Aug 7, 2009 6:18 PM PDT reply actions

I disagree. I think he has Matsisfaction :)

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Aug 7, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions

A career year will do that (particularly when he’s one year away from free-agency). I’m sure he figures that if he can get a guy like Sundin again, he can pad his stats and demand better money; and how can you fault him for wanting that?

Oh, and I’m not saying that this is the only thing that matters to Kes.

by CarolinaCanuck on Aug 7, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Kesler's numbers

took a big jump with Sundin. Now, how much of that was the use he was being put to (checking centre to second line scorer) and how much was putting him with the remarkably skilled Sundin is up for debate; but he did get nearly a point a game (39 points in 44 games Jan-April) after Sundin’s arrival, and somewhat less before that (20 points in 38 games Oct-Dec).

Thing is, in either case, he’s a damn fine player, but if he signs a deal before this season starts, I really, really hope it wil kick in starting next season, or Vancouver will have even more money problems than they do now.

by Thursday on Aug 7, 2009 11:06 PM PDT reply actions