Canucks Sign Ryan Kesler to Six-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that they have signed center Ryan Kesler to a six-year contract extension worth $30 million. The deal will pay him $5 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. In 71 games so far this season with the Canucks, Kesler has 21 goals and 45 assists for 66 points. In 391 career NHL games, all with the Canucks, he has 86 goals and 120 assists for 206 points. He won a silver medal playing for the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This is a great signing for the Canucks, as Kesler is quickly developing into a very skilled offensive forward. He's a great two-way player, has great skill on the power play, and is developing into a leader on the ice. Plus, $5 million per season is not too bad for a player of his caliber, especially if he continues to improve over the next few seasons.