Canucks' Ryan Kesler traded to Anaheim

The Vancouver Canucks have traded Ryan Kesler to the Anaheim Ducks just hours before the 2014 NHL Draft begins, Anaheim announced on Friday.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun originally reported the deal, saying it was "very close" and pending a trade call. He also reported that the Canucks will receive Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa and the Ducks' 24th overall pick at tonight's draft for Kesler, and that the teams will exchange third round picks. 

Kesler's name has been circulating in trade rumors since before the NHL's trade deadline back on March 5, with speculation of a departure from Vancouver only growing stronger in the days leading up to the draft. Kesler, 29, has a no-trade clause but had been asking the Canucks to trade him, giving them a small list of teams that he would agree to be traded to. 

Last season, Kesler scored 25 goals and recorded 18 assists in 77 games for the Canucks, who finished 36-35 and failed to make the playoffs. He has two years left on the six-year contract extension that he signed in 2010. 

Bonino had 22 goals and 27 assists with the Pacific Division Champion Ducks in 2013-14, while Sbisa struggled with injuries and played just 30 games, scoring one goal and adding five assists. 

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~Molly Geary