Anaheim Ducks lock up a big part of their team today signing Ryan Kesler to a six-year deal. The financial terms aren't official, but the Orange County Register reported it's worth around $41.25 million. Anaheim acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade last year. Kesler played a big part in the success of the Ducks last season, becoming the second line center that they've been needing for a long time.
Kesler, 30, is an 11-year veteran, 10 of which was with the Vancouver Canucks. In his first season with the Ducks last year, Kesler played in 81 games scoring 20 goals and recorded 27 assists. Kesler played a big role in helping Anaheim make it all to the way to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. Kesler is a good second line center for them behind Ryan Getzlaf.
There is a lot to like with Kesler. He's a great passer with a nice shot. When healthy, Kesler is a lock for 20 plus goals and 20 plus assists per season. Those are good numbers for second line center like Kesler. They can put him on the power play because the power play is a stength for him.
Anaheim will be getting a good second center in Kesler for a good amount of money. He was on the final year of his contract, locking him up now is a smart thing to do. Getting it out of the way know is just one thing less the Ducks have to deal with, and now Kesler can worry about playing hockey and not his next contract.
On the Kesler side of things he is getting long term security, which is good for any player in the pros. He is getting a good amount of money and will have to prove his worth every season getting 40 plus point per season. If he can do that then this deal was nothing but a good thing for both sides.