Anaheim Ducks acquire C Ryan Kesler from Vancouver
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Anaheim Ducks have acquired center Ryan Kesler from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade for center Nick Bonino, defenseman Luca Sbisa and the 24th overall pick in Friday's draft.
The 29-year-old Kesler is a standout two-way center who has spent his entire 10-season career in Vancouver, compiling six 20-goal seasons and 392 career points. The two-time U.S. Olympian won the Selke Trophy in 2011 as the NHL's best defensive forward.
The Pacific Division champion Ducks finally completed their lengthy pursuit of an elite NHL center to play on their second line behind captain Ryan Getzlaf. Kesler also is an elite faceoff winner, an area where the Ducks struggled.
Anaheim also tried to land Kesler at the trade deadline last season but couldn't reach a deal with the Canucks.
