Report: Ducks, Blackhawks frontrunners to acquire Canucks' Ryan Kesler

The Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks are considered frontrunners to acquire the services of Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, according to ESPN.com.

Kesler would prefer to land in a city with a legitimate chance at winning a Stanley Cup, and both of those destinations would give him that chance.

Both teams have a need to upgrade at the No. 2 center position, and Kesler would certainly fill that need for them.

It will now be on the Ducks and Blackhawks to put together an offer that is satisfactory to the Canucks, who do have the final say as to where Kesler will be playing this upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Kesler's services.