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CanucksCorner

Entry posted by CanucksCorner

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Justine Galo: CanucksCorner.com

November 3, 2009 marked for me, and for many out there, the coming out party of Ryan Kesler.

That game against the New York Rangers at GM Place solidifies the letter on this man's chest. Question is: Is it the 'right' letter?

We've been seeing the improvement in Ryan's game over the last few years, especially after the Canucks matched a qualifying offer the Philadelphia Flyers made to him in 2006. Ryan Kesler is, as they say in Toronto, "The Straight Goods". The man has not only has proven to be a good defensive forward, (good enough to garner himself a nomination for the Selke Trophy) but he can put up some good numbers. The passion and intensity that Ryan Kesler brings to the ice each and every night is unmatched on this roster.

I've always liked Kesler, but it wasn't until about a season and half ago I really believed he should have succeeded Markus Naslund as Canuck captain; instead it went to Roberto Luongo. When I see Ryan Kesler, I see a guy who sticks up for his teammates, even if they were in the wrong (the Kelly Backes incident). I see a guy who can approach the officials and be listened to and taken seriously. His diplomacy with the media showed in his younger years has been honed to near perfection in the present day.

So why isn't Ryan Kesler the Canuck captain? I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong, I like Roberto Luongo a lot, and I like the move that Canucks management did to make him the Captain on a marketing, news-making, and intra-locker room level, but I think it's time to give it to someone who doesn't stay on blue ice. I think it's time that Ryan Kesler wears the "C".

Here's why:

  • Ryan Kesler hates to lose. You see how angry he gets when the Canucks have lost a game or are put in a losing situation. He will do everything he can to make sure he does his part to make it better.
  • Ryan Kesler plays hard each and every shift. If he's on the ice, he's doing something and moving, and trying to create chances.
  • Ryan Kesler is an excellent two-way player. Tell me who on the team is better than Kesler in terms of a two-way game?
  • Ryan Kesler has improved something about his game each and every year he's been on the roster. At this point in the season, he's 20th overall in scoring and is on pace to have having a career year hitting an 82pt total.

How can anyone argue any of these points? In all honesty, I suppose, if someone tried really hard and dug really deep they could, but on many other teams, Ryan Kesler is a shoe-in for team captain. In fact, I am sure many feel as I do, he should be our captain. All the 'what ifs' have been answered, and resoundingly, Ryan Kesler is a bona fide leader. So maybe our franchise player should be just that, and let the captaincy go to the heart and soul of the team.

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Pinhead

Justine.

The first time I saw Ryan Kesler he reminded me so much of Trevor Linden I knew he was our man . There is no offense to Roberto. Roberto is our star player and even if Ryan has the C , Lui will be our focus and the media will fawn over him. Lets lock Ryan down for the next 10 years and make him our captain. Hes a great guy and we are lucky to have him.

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The Brahma Bull

Points 1 and 2 you made can be said about Luongo as well.

Roberto hates to lose. He is the most competitive person I've seen in my entire life along with Kobe Bryant.

Roberto always plays hard when he's on the ice.

Great article though. Kesler and Luongo are my fave Canucks. :D

Go Kesler!!!

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Pinhead
Mabe LOU plays better without pressure of C

Yes he will . He doesnt really function as captain anyways. Hes a goalie. None of the other players are goalies so they cant relate to what they are doing on the ice and the goalie cant relate to them.

Hes either on the bench of 200 ft away so he cant give up encouragement there either. Dont understand how Luongo can INSPIRE anyone from his crease outside of how goalies inpsire their teammates ANYWAYS when they make a save.

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BedBeats™2.0

'Kes breaking his stick recalls Linden always taking losing very hard...he would smash his sticks in the hallways in his first year with the Canucks.

Alas...im happy with our current captain.

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Venom52

Very well written blog. I would have to agree with you on Kesler would be a great guy to have as captain, but it would not be fair to Luongo who, as of right now, as done a very good job considering he is the first goalie captain of our generation.

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