[panoo]

TSN.ca Staff
9/12/2006 4:55:03 PM

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Vancouver Canucks restricted free agent forward Ryan Kesler to an offer sheet. Sources tell TSN the deal is worth $1.9 million for one season.

The Vancouver Canucks have seven days to match this offer, but sources have told TSN it is absolutely certain the Vancouver Canucks will match the offer sheet.

Canuck GM Dave Nonis is refusing comment today, but the Canucks say there's likely to be a news conference on Wednesday, at which time Nonis will address the Kesler issue.

TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader

 

[panoo]

Canadian Press
9/14/2006 8:10:58 PM

VANCOUVER (CP) - The Vancouver Canucks are going to be paying Ryan Kesler top dollar after all.

The Canucks matched Kesler's offer sheet and re-signed the centre to a new contract Thursday after the Philadelphia Flyers extended a US$1.9-million offer to the 22-year-old on Tuesday.

Vancouver had hoped to re-sign the restricted free agent for much less money. They had reportedly been trying to negotiate for roughly half the amount Kesler will now be paid.

It was the first offer sheet signed by a player since 1999. The Canucks had a week to choose whether to match the offer or receive a second-round draft pick, but took just two days to make the decision.

Technically, the last official offer sheet before Tuesday was in July 1999 when Tampa Bay made an offer for little-known Oiler Brett Hauer. Edmonton matched it

TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader