VANCOUVER, B.C. — Canucks center Ryan Kesler signed a six-year, $30 million contract extension on Friday that will keep him in Vancouver through the 2015-16 season.
In his sixth season with the Canucks, the 25-year-old Kesler has already set a new career high with 66 points in 71 games, exceeding the 59 points he recorded last season when he was a Selke Trophy finalist as the NHL’s top defensive forward.
“Ryan Kesler has excelled as a two-way player and in his role as an alternate captain,” general manager Mike Gillis said. “Ryan has showcased his ability to perform under extreme pressure, and we are looking forward to continuing to see Ryan develop into one of the league’s premier players.”
Kesler, who was drafted 23rd overall by the Canucks in 2003, has 17 points in his last 15 games, including a 13-game point streak that was the fifth- longest in the NHL this season. He also scored two goals and was a key player in the United States’ run to a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
Wild rookie injured
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Wild defenseman Justin Falk, who was making his NHL debut against the Blue Jackets, suffered an undisclosed injury in the second period and didn’t return.
Footnote.
Kings longtime play-by-play man Bob Miller returned to the TV booth on Thursday for the first time since March 4 after being sidelined by shingles. The Hall of Famer has missed only 21 games in his 37 seasons with the club.
