Positives/Negatives of Canucks Trading Kesler

This week, the long standing rumours of the Vancouver Canucks trading centre Ryan Kesler finally came true as he was traded along  to the Anaheim Ducks for Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa and a first and third round draft pick at the 2014 NHL draft. Kesler has long been rumored to want out of British Columbia and now finally it appears he has his wish. But at what cost will this come to the Canucks?

Positives of Trading Kesler

1. Has suffered with injuries the last two seasons which has affected his game time and made him unable to make a full effect on ice and his scoring numbers have gone have reduced dramatically. Bonino last season bagged 49 points in the regular season alone, six more than Kesler and was one of the stand outs on the Ducks lower lines. 
2. Draws media attention away from the team and could potentially create more harmony in the dressing room. All through last season we saw Kesler sulking his way through and he has never far from the trade rumour mill. New GM Jim Benning thankfully has taken charge of this situation and worked out a result. Whether this will work in our best interests, only time will tell this point. 
3. Increases potential salary cap- Kesler was one of the high earners at the Rogers Arena over the past few seasons but frankly hasn't been earning his fee. By trading him it can open up the potential to maybe bagging some key UFA's over the post season and with name such as Thomas Vanek, Jarome Iginla and Andreas Strollman available, this seems a wise choice.

Negatives of Trading Kesler 

1. Limits offense- last season despite the problems off ice, Kesler was still one of the only attacking sparks and he truly lit up the second line. With the Sedin brothers gradually become less effective, we now do not possesses any real threat on the lower lines and this rebuilding phase could potentially see fans become more disgruntled as time goes on. 
2. Now Lack of Experience in Squad- Kesler has proven himself to be one of the NHL's more effective second liners over the course of his career and he was an anchor to the second line. Now we face a leadership crisis because there currently are now real experienced men who could have the 'A' pinned to their jersey. Many were divided on Kesler, but his experience has been valuable. 
3. Big names will now be deterred from joining- Vancouver has gradually seen all its once finely rounded team chipped away by the nightmare that was Mike Gillis over the past few years. Now after Kesler leaving, this will deter bigger name UFA's from joining as Vancouver do not possess the kind of team they can build themselves around. We can only hope to see of the big names don a Canucks jersey for years to come.

In summary, it is a spilt decision on whether this has been a smart move for Vancouver because although Kesler could prove to be a pain at the best of times, he was still on the best we had. Benning's new plan for the Canucks better start taking fruition fast or riots may become more common in Vancouver.