KESLER MOVES ON

Is it a wish that Kesler wanted or was it more of a move to get youth into the aging line-up of seasoned veteran players for a run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Speculation  was he would move to the Wings organization or one of the original six clubs, but this shocks many a hockey fan.

Now Kesler and his wife will have to get used to spending time at Disneyland on the off days, which wont be all that bad!

Canucks GM Jim Benning announced the club has acquired centre Nick Bonino, defenceman Luca Sbisa and the 24^th and 85^th picks in the 2014 NHL Draft from Anaheim in exchange for Ryan Kesler and a third round pick in 2015.

“This trade reinforces our goal to add youth, support our core players and develop draft picks who will contribute to the future success of our team,” said Canucks General Manger, Jim Benning.

“Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa are talented players who immediately bring youth and skill to our roster. An additional first and third round pick gives us the opportunity to add two strong players to our system.”

Bonino (26) scored 22 goals and 27 assists (22-27-49) in 77 games played with Anaheim during the 2013.14 season. The 6’1”, 196-pound centre has played 189 career NHL games recording 82 points (33-49-82) and 48 penalty minutes.

In 2009 while playing for Boston University, Bonino was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team.

The Hartford, CT native was originally selected 173^rd overall by San Jose in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Sbisa (24) played 30 games with Anaheim (1-5-6) and four games with the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals (0-2-2) in the 2013.14 season.

The 6’2”, 198-pound defenceman has played 266 career NHL games with Anaheim and Philadelphia recording 56 points (9-47-56) and 217 penalty minutes.

Internationally Sbisa has represented Switzerland at the Winter Olympic Games, World Championships and World Juniors.

The Ozieri, Italy native was originally selected 19^th overall by Philadelphia in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.