Vancouver Canucks trade Ryan Kesler to Anaheim Ducks

The Vancouver Canucks have traded Ryan Kesler to the Anaheim Ducks for Luca Sbisa and Nick Bonino, plus a 24th pick.

The Canucks are also getting the 85th pick in 2014 and the Ducks get the Canucks’ third-round pick in 2015.

READ MORE: Florida Panthers take defenceman Aaron Ekblad first overall in NHL draft

For the 85th pick, the Canucks have acquired right-wing Derek Dorsett from the New York Rangers.

Kesler says he has nothing but nice things to say about Vancouver and his experience with the Canucks:

The Kesler trade is not as big a shock as when the Cory Schneider trade happened. Ryan Kesler has been talked about as being on the chopping block for a while and as he has no trade clause he can take any trade offer.

Who are Luca Sbisa and Nick Bonino?

Bonino (centerman) – goals 22, assists 27, points 49 last season with Anaheim, signed three-year contract extension in 2013 through the 2016-17 season, worth $5.7 million, yearly cap hit of $1.9 million.

Sbisa (defenceman) – goals 1, assists 5, points 6 last season with Anaheim, signed four-year contract extension with the Ducks in 2011, worth $8.7 million with a yearly cap hit of $2.175 million.

The Vancouver Canucks have also traded Jason Garrison to Tampa Bay for the 50th overall pick, the rights to Jeff Costello and Vancouver’s 7th round pick in 2015.

Global BC Sports anchor Jay Durant had the following to say about today’s trades:

Nick Bonino certainly can’t fill Ryan Kesler’s shoes right away, but he has developed into a solid second line centre in Anaheim scoring 22 goals and 49 points last year. At 26, he’s a few years younger than Kesler and much cheaper coming with a $1.9 million cap hit until 2016-17.

Luca Sbisa is a former first round pick who hasn’t lived up to his billing.  He has battled injuries and has one year left on his deal, so the Canucks aren’t tied down if he doesn’t pan out.

The Canucks have created more Cap space dealing Garrison to Tampa Bay. He has four more years with a $4.6 million Cap hit.

Garrison returns to Florida after coming to Vancouver after a stint with the Panthers.  The sunshine state is a popular destination for snowbirds and ex-Canucks defencemen: Mattias Ohlund, Sami Salo and now Jason Garrison.

Derek Dorsett is a gritty fourth line who played for Canucks Coach Willie Desjardins in Medicine Hat.  He helped lead the Tigers to the Memorial Cup final in 2007 before losing to Milan Lucic and the Vancouver Giants.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: Nick Bonino certainly can't fill Ryan Kesler's shoes right away, but he has developed into a solid second line centre in Anaheim scoring 22 goals and 49 points last year. At 26, he's a few years younger than Kesler and much cheaper coming with a $1.9 million cap hit until 2016-17.</p><p>Luca Sbisa is a former first round pick who hasn't lived up to his billing.  He has battled injuries and has one year left on his deal, so the Canucks aren't tied down if he doesn't pan out.</p><p>The Canucks have created more Cap space dealing Garrison to Tampa Bay. He has four more years with a $4.6 million Cap hit.</p><p>Garrison returns to Florida after coming to Vancouver after a stint with the Panthers.  The sunshine state is a popular destination for snowbirds and ex-Canucks defencemen: Mattias Ohlund, Sami Salo and now Jason Garrison.</p><p>Derek Dorsett is a gritty fourth line who played for Canucks Coach Willie Desjardins in Medicine Hat.  He helped lead the Tigers to the Memorial Cup final in 2007 before losing to Milan Lucic and the Vancouver Giants.