According to multiple sources, The Pittsburgh Penguins are aggressively pursuing Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler.
- SEE ALSO: Exclusive Interview With Ryan Kesler
The Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero initially made a pitch for Kesler during the Olympics in Sochi, but the Canucks turned him down. Rumors began flying last week that Ryan Kesler allegedly asked GM Mike Gillis for a trade (rumors Kesler and his agent denied).
With the NHL trade deadline just days away, the Pittsburgh Penguins are apparently reaching out for Kesler again according to Rob Rossi, a writer for the organization.
Rossi’s sources told him that in exchange for Kesler, the Canucks would receive centre Brandon Sutter, two draft picks in 2014 and one of Simon Despres or Brian Dumoulin (Canucks can choose one of the two) from the Penguins.
The Penguins want to to play Kesler on the right wing alongside Sidney Crosby, a position the team has been struggling to fill since they lost Pascal Dupuis to a season-ending knee injury. Other sources have indicated the Penguins want to play Kesler as centre in their third line.
Ryan Kesler currently has two years remaining on his contract with the Canucks, and and leads the team with 21 goals this season.
The trade deadline is Wednesday March 5th, 3:00pm.
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photo credit: CanucksArmy
