ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Ryan Kesler didn’t want to wait around while the Vancouver Canucks rebuild. He wants to win a Stanley Cup now, and the Anaheim Ducks believe they’re on the way after landing the star center.
Anaheim acquired Kesler from the Canucks on Friday in a draft-day trade for center Nick Bonino, defenseman Luca Sbisa and the 24th overall pick.
The 29-year-old Kesler has spent his entire 10-season career in Vancouver, compiling six 20-goal seasons and 392 points while playing an agitating, physical style. The two-time U.S. Olympian won the Selke Trophy in 2011 as the NHL’s best defensive forward.
“I’m going to Anaheim to win a championship,” said Kesler, who waived his no-trade clause. “That’s going to be my sole goal, and my team’s sole goal.”
After the best regular season in franchise history ended with a second-round playoff exit, the Pacific Division champion Ducks finally completed their long pursuit of an elite NHL center to lead their second line behind captain Ryan Getzlaf, the runner-up for the Hart Trophy.