Ryan Kesler

Professional hockey player Ryan Kesler plays center for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League. At 6'2" and 200lbs, he's got the size and speed to be an elite center in the NHL. When Kesler first entered the NHL, he established himself as a reliable checking center, who anchored the third line for the Canucks. Although the offensive production didn't come for a few years, Kesler developed into premier center in 2008, and his offensive numbers have grown each year.

NHL Career

Kesler was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks during the first round of the 2003 entry draft and would spend the majority of the next two seasons with the Canucks' American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.

During the 2005-2006 season, Kesler became a staple on the Vancouver team, then represented the United States at the 2006 World Championships. As a restricted free agent, Kesler signed a deal during the off season with the Philadelphia Flyers for a one-year contract worth $1.9 million. The Canucks matched the offer and Kesler rejoined their roster.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2006-2007 season, the Canucks signed Kesler for another three years at an average salary of $1.75 million per year.

International Career

A graduate of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Kesler led his team to a gold medal win at the 2002 Under 18 World Junior Championships and received the tournament's Best Player Award. He played on the United States' World Junior team in both 2003 and 2004 and was instrumental in their success at both tournaments. He scored seven goals in as many games at the 2003 tournament and was a contributing factor in the Americans' first gold medal win at the World Juniors the following year.

Kesler was a key component of Team USA at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, earning a silver medal in the process. Playing on their top line, he scored a goal in the gold medal game when USA lost to Team Canada in overtime.