The Anaheim Ducks are looking to fill a hole in their second line this off-season and one name may already be off the board.
According to a report from the Ottawa Sun, Ryan Kesler requested a trade last fall, but only wants to head to either the Chicago Blackhawks or the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If the report is true and Kesler has only these two teams on his mind, the Ducks will have to focus their efforts on the likes of Jason Spezza, Paul Stastny, or long-time rival Joe Thornton.
Brad Richards, whose contract was bought out by the New York Rangers Friday morning, may also be an option for the Ducks.
The exclusion of the Ducks on Kesler’s “list” could be a sign that the Vancouver Canucks have told him they would not trade him to a division rival like Anaheim. Therefore, with that piece of information, Kesler may have decided to inform Vancouver that if the organization will set limits on where he gets traded, so will he.
There have been no comments from Vancouver, Kesler, or his agent at this time.
With the NHL Draft beginning next Friday and free agency shortly after on July 1, the rumor mill surrounding potential trades and signings will be scalding hot.
We’ll try to keep you posted on all the latest news and rumors here at Pucks of a Feather.
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