Defending The Kesler Signing

When Gillis signed Kesler to his long term 30 Million dollar deal, I knew exactly why it was for that amount. You have to look past the scoring aspect of the game to put a number on a player (money that is).

The first thing most people think about when they hear a player has a 5+ Million dollar contract is that he's either getting 90+ points, a great defencemen with a great +/- or an all-star goalie. Let's just keep this about forwards, since Kesler is a forward, well, sometimes I think he is (you see what I did there?)

Kesler, is no doubt, an elite checker. He's...let's say...the Martha Stewart of hockey; can pretty much do anything. Although Kesler doesn't get 100 points in a season and scores 40 goals; he's more on the other side. You know...killing those penalties that are not important, creating absolute chaos for the other team...no biggy, creates a scoring chance pretty much every time he has the puck which no one cares about.

SARCASM ABOVE

Kesler's signing is not based on his raw scoring talent which many people think a salary is based on. Kesler is a core part of the Canucks, and a player Mike Gillis thinks will lead this team for the next 6 years. That's where the 5 Million comes from; his value to the team and how important he is.

Look what he's done, not only has he progressed each NHL season since his rookie year, he's made Mason Raymond a surprisingly better player. He's starting to create the same buzz around Michael Grabner, who, before his injury, was playing great with Kesler and Raymond.

A player who's that important to a team is worth every penny. I applaud Gillis with this contract and I have loved watching Kesler grow into the player he is. From number 20, to 17, the next 6 years for him are going to get better and better.

Think I just might buy a Kesler jersey now that I know he's going to be here for a while.