Right now, the reported list of suitors is Chicago and Anaheim. That means Benning is dealing with Bob Murray and Stan Bowman.

Do you believe that is leverage?

If some teams on Kesler's list reenter the talks (it is not a race or bidding war) then Benning's leverage increases. Right now, Benning has less leverage than Gillis had with Schneider... and look at what that got you.
- tredbrta

Except that Kesler's value is superior to Schneider's. Way different situation. Teams like Chicago and Anaheim are desperate for Kesler. Benning and Linden don't have to trade him until they get an offer they are happy with. Let the Hawks and Ducks squirm. Neither team is good enough to beat the Kings. Chicago and Anaheim desperately need Kesler.

6 team list.
Luckily for us, the majority of which are all serious contenders.
With that in mind, Kesler represents the perfect need, upgrade and value that any contender could use, thus a bidding war ensues.
- Whiskey-Tango

There is a difference between a six team preferred list and a six team list he will approve a trade to/has approved

I think you are missing this point. Its not like a modified NTC where they get pre approval on any number of teams on a limited list

Pittsburgh is a serious player in any Kesler talk.
Blues have been mentioned as well.
- Whiskey-Tango

The Hawks might not get him but I can't imagine Pittsburgh is serious. They don't have the same need the other teams mentioned, and they're in cap hell. Why take the $5 mil cap hit to play him out of position? They're sure as hell not going to pay that for him to be their 3rd line center.

Not that you care but it wasn't Gillis alone that created our terrible prospect pool. It was a combination of Burke, Nonis, and Gillis.

Your assumptions on Benning's thoughts are wrong.
- bloatedmosquito

I know it was not just Gillis but he was the last GM and presided over way too many drafts and trades to not get most of the blame. Plenty of teams drafting late the last 5 years have quality prospects to show not 2 or 3.

Also, assuming Benning does not want to replenish your prospect chain depth as well as quantity is wrong?

Benning's background is primarily in amateur scouting. Just FYI. That was your owner's first smart move.

Benning needs the picks to find the talent. He will also probably take some middling prospects in trades that turn out to be gems.

I wouldn't rule out last minute effort by NYR PITTS, WASH and unless the Canuck philosophy of not trading within the conference has changed since Gilis was fired, Chicago is out.

All in all though, I would rather see him a Hawk than a Duck.

ALSO ----FIX THE DAMN VIDEOS THAT OVERRIDE KEYBOARD STROKES AND MESS UP THE MESSAGES. (That was for Ek)

I wouldn't rule out last minute effort by NYR PITTS, WASH and unless the Canuck philosophy of not trading within the conference has changed since Gilis was fired, Chicago is out.

All in all though, I would rather see him a Hawk than a Duck.

ALSO ----FIX THE DAMN VIDEOS THAT OVERRIDE KEYBOARD STROKES AND MESS UP THE MESSAGES. (That was for Ek)
- Beatle_john

AV coaches NYR, so yea, I would rule that out

Kesler prefers Chi to Anaheim though.
- TheCalSen

Why did he buy a season pass for his family in Disneyland then?

The Hawks might not get him but I can't imagine Pittsburgh is serious. They don't have the same need the other teams mentioned, and they're in cap hell. Why take the $5 mil cap hit to play him out of position? They're sure as hell not going to pay that for him to be their 3rd line center.
- Hemingways

The Canucks have cap space. Depending on the deal, Pitts might actually get cap relief.

Ok.........allow me to simplify:



Benning: We have a trade in line with Anaheim, last chance.

Kesler: But what about Chicago?

Benning: Offer was insufficient.

Kesler: Turns out i don't really want to go California.

Benning: Ok, see you in training camp.

Ok.........allow me to simplify:



Benning: We have a trade in line with Anaheim, last chance.

Kesler: But what about Chicago?

Benning: Offer was insufficient.

Kesler: Turns out i don't really want to go California.

Benning: Ok, see you in training camp.
- Whiskey-Tango

IMPOSSIBLE. You forgot that Canucks fans are arrogant and that Gillis is a bad GM. Ergo, the return for Kesler will be peanuts.

I would like to state an obvious.

Nobody is talking about Philadelphia. If there is a dark horse contender to scoop Kesler, it is the Flyers.

Ok.........allow me to simplify:



Benning: We have a trade in line with Anaheim, last chance.

Kesler: But what about Chicago?

Benning: Offer was insufficient.

Kesler: Turns out i don't really want to go California.

Benning: Ok, see you in training camp.

Kesler: No you won't.

- Whiskey-Tango

Fixed.

I would like to state an obvious.

Nobody is talking about Philadelphia. If there is a dark horse contender to scoop Kesler, it is the Flyers.
- spatso

They. Vinny

Ok.........allow me to simplify:



Benning: We have a trade in line with Anaheim, last chance.

Kesler: But what about Chicago?

Benning: Offer was insufficient.

Kesler: Turns out i don't really want to go California.

Benning: Ok, see you in training camp.
- Whiskey-Tango

Kesler: Ok, yea, I dont really feel like showing up. I'll be at home if you need me or work out a trade

So according to you guys Kesler wants out so badly that he'll holdout and potentially lose thousands/millions of dollars? It's not like he has just one year left either. I'm sure he's not that stubborn that he won't waive to go to 5 or 6 cities in a 30 freakin' team league and comfortable earn his 5 million instead of doing that because of his Kane bromance.

Ok.........allow me to simplify:



Benning: We have a trade in line with Anaheim, last chance.

Kesler: But what about Chicago?

Benning: Offer was insufficient.

Kesler: Turns out i don't really want to go California.

Benning: Ok, see you in training camp.
- Whiskey-Tango

And Vancouver misses out on multiple parts to help them rebuild for absolutely no reason. They should trade him to the highest bidder, assuming he will accept a deal to whatever team that is. A rebuilding team doesn't benefit by keeping a vet who has demanded a trade. With 2 years left on his contract his trade value only goes down from here.

I would like to state an obvious.

Nobody is talking about Philadelphia. If there is a dark horse contender to scoop Kesler, it is the Flyers.
- spatso

Fixed.
- DarthKane

Yea, they arent understanding the concept that Kesler can force their hand

Ryan O'Reilly did the same. He sat on his couch at home and didnt report until COL gave him what he wanted or traded him. ROR sure as shxt didnt cave first

Fixed.
- DarthKane

Career suicide, even better

Except that Kesler's value is superior to Schneider's. Way different situation. Teams like Chicago and Anaheim are desperate for Kesler. Benning and Linden don't have to trade him until they get an offer they are happy with. Let the Hawks and Ducks squirm. Neither team is good enough to beat the Kings. Chicago and Anaheim desperately need Kesler.
- hankthetank

I 100% completely disagree with you.

Yea, they arent understanding the concept that Kesler can force their hand

Ryan O'Reilly did the same. He sat on his couch at home and didnt report until COL gave him what he wanted or traded him. ROR sure as shxt didnt cave first
- FourFeathers773

Again, much different situation. ROR was a RFA was he not?
Kesler is signed for 2 more years. If he wants to sit at home for the next 2 years he would basically be ending his hockey career. He can't force the Canucks to do anything. I know he's selfish but I don't think he's dumb.

Oh I see. Kesler gives a list of 6 teams, rejects a trade to one of the 6 teams he gave and then sits out because he doesn't get traded to Chicago.

An I thought BC had the best bud.

6 team list.
Luckily for us, the majority of which are all serious contenders.
With that in mind, Kesler represents the perfect need, upgrade and value that any contender could use, thus a bidding war ensues.
- Whiskey-Tango

And 4 of those 6 teams are reported to not be talking to Vancouver about Kesler....Your bidding war could happen. It just doesn't appear to be happening this week. Maybe at the trade deadline this year if you see injury need etc... If not then the return gets lower and lower.... You're also then banking on Kesler not getting hurt until then. Will Benning wait and roll the dice like Gillis?

I am kind of surprised Benning isn't working an offer from his former team. Even if they are not on K's list and have cap problems.... Former talent guy leaves an organization - usually wants to talk about prospects he left behind or has enough goodwill left to help him create more demand. Maybe it is? No one will know until it happens and then can we count on real facts?

You Nucks faithful will probably not be happy with the result and neither will the fans of the team Kesler goes to. No one happy usually means fair to both sides.

So according to you guys Kesler wants out so badly that he'll holdout and potentially lose thousands/millions of dollars? It's not like he has just one year left either. I'm sure he's not that stubborn that he won't waive to go to 5 or 6 cities in a 30 freakin' team league and comfortable earn his 5 million instead of doing that because of his Kane bromance.
- Nucker101

Yes. I don't see what's wrong with that???

And Vancouver misses out on multiple parts to help them rebuild for absolutely no reason. They should trade him to the highest bidder, assuming he will accept a deal to whatever team that is. A rebuilding team doesn't benefit by keeping a vet who has demanded a trade. With 2 years left on his contract his trade value only goes down from here.
- Hemingways

As does his league perceived value, ability and performance. He is not dumb enough to commit career suicide by demanding a trade to a single team and risk sitting out or pouting on the Canucks bench and losing out as a UFA in two years.