Hooray rumors.

Hooray rumors.

For those that missed it last night, Vancouver center Ryan Kesler has reportedly requested a trade from the Canucks. Within minutes, there was buzz for a Kesler/Ryan Callahan swap. It’s natural, I guess, to assume that a deal could work out between the two sides, but there are way too many road blocks that would prevent a deal from happening.

First and foremost: Ryan Kesler has a no-trade clause, and had a big falling out with Alain Vigneault before AV departed Vancouver. Since AV is the head coach here in New York, it’s unlikely Kesler would waive his NTC to come play under the same coach.

Along the same lines, Cally and John Tortorella –now the head coach in Vancouver– don’t have the same relationship they once did (rumored). It is believed that Cally did not stick up for Torts prior to his surprise firing in May. The Cally/Torts situation is more speculation than anything though.

On paper, Kesler is the better player in almost every major category, both #fancy and #regular. Kesler is a better offensive producer, despite facing tougher competition and fewer starts in the offensive zone. Throw in that Kesler is signed for the next two seasons at a very reasonable rate ($5 million cap hit), and you have a lopsided deal for the Rangers.

Since Cally is headed to unrestricted free agency, he would be a pure rental for the Canucks. From their point of view, the deal makes no sense. Slats would need to add –and add a significant piece– to land Kesler.

For now, a Kesler for Cally swap doesn’t make sense for the Canucks.

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