Kesler was injured in a knee-on-knee collision with Jets forward Jim Slater on Wednesday. Kesler could return for the end of the regular season, but he will miss at least two weeks. The Canucks are just four points out of the final playoff spot in the West, but it will be hard for them to get in with their emotional leader on the sideline.
Kesler left Wednesday's 3-2 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets in the second period after a knee-on-knee hit from the Jets' Jim Slater. Kesler was seen wearing a brace after the game and is expected to be out for a while. In 67 games with Vancouver this season the 29-year-old has 22 goals and 18 assists. A tough season is about to get a little more difficult for the Canucks.
Kesler was a full participant in Thursday's practice, so his return vs. the Wild was expected. Kesler missed one game with a hand injury, but will return tonight. He has become talks of a potential trade, so tonight could be his last home game as a Canuck. He is expected to centre Vancouver's second line.
Kesler missed Wednesday's game with a hand injury that he suffered in Sochi. He participated in practice on Thursday and is probable to play vs. the Wild. Kesler's name has surfaced on the trade market, so Friday could potentially be his last with Vancouver.
Canucks head coach John Tortorella would not divulge the severity of Kesler's hand injury. When asked about MRI results, he said that Kesler is "day-to-day." Tortorella also said that if "Kesler could play, he would play", which suggests that the hand injury is relatively serious. Consider Kesler questionable for Friday's game as well.
Kesler was injured while blocking a shot by Ilya Kovalchuk on Feb. 15 in Sochi. Kesler was in considerable pain on the bench and briefly left with an ice pack on his hand, but returned in the 3-2 eight-round shootout victory over the Russians. He played in the final three tournament games for Team USA with his right hand bandaged and sporting a splint. The question now is, will he play Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues at Rogers Arena? “He was in this morning and had some work done; we’ll see how he is (Tuesday),” said Canucks coach John Tortorella. “I’m not overly concerned about him missing a couple of days of practice.”
Kesler has only played in seven games this season. He said he wanted to play before the playoffs, and he will do so tonight. He has been out for over a month with a hairline fracture in his foot. He has one goal and four assists in seven games this season.
Kesler returned to practice today and took line rushes which would usually indicate that he will play tonight. There had been no indication that he was going to return this soon. Monitor his status prior to puck-drop he could be worth a pickup if he does return tonight.
There are reports that Kesler could return to the lineup in within a week. Monitor his status before activating him or picking him up.
Kesler will be out long-term. He missed the start of the season with an injury and was only able to play in 7 games before getting hurt again.
It looks like Kesler will make his season debut tomorrow vs. Dallas and will play on a line with Zach Kassian and Chris Higgins. If he is available in your league, I would scoop him up.
Kesler has ditched the no-contact jersey and looks like he is ready to return to the Canucks lineup. The line with Kassian and Higgins provides a lot of speed to go along with grit, toughness and goal scoring ability. Kesler is owned in 79.3% of ESPN fantasy leagues, so if your league is in that 21% where he is not owned... I would suggest picking him up. Kesler had 22 G, 27 A and was a +11 in 77 games last year.
There is still no timetable for when Kesler's return might be but he will need to ditch the no-contact jersey before we get excited about him coming back.
Kesler is getting closer to a return. He isn't quite ready yet but monitor his status going forward and should be back in the lineup shortly.
There is no timetable for Kesler's return but the fact that he is on the ice is promising. The Canucks could use the return of Kesler and he doesn't look too far off.
Kesler later adds that there is no timetable for his return and it could mean months, leaving him at a very risky draft choice at a deep position.
Don't expect Kesler to miss any playing time. The second line center has 18 goals and 38 points in 49 games.
Kesler is expected to play so make sure to keep him in your lineup.
Kesler stays in the lineup, playing through bumps and bruises. The Ohio State product scored two goals and seven points through his first 14 games. Expect him to center the second line and play on the top PP unit.
The Canucks don't play again until Sunday so Kesler is likely just taking a maintenance day. The gritty center has two goals and seven points through his first 14 games this season.
