Ducks' Kesler discusses trade from Canucks, gives advice to recently traded

Ryan Kesler was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the rival Anaheim Ducks in June of 2014 after the forward requested a move.

The 30-year-old wrote a piece for The Player's Tribune Friday discussing a plethora of subjects that included how awkward it was being traded to a division rival and the switch from living in Canada to the U.S. He also provided advice to all recently traded NHLers. 

Let’s call it awkward. It’s part of the business. You tell yourself you’re a grown man and you’re prepared for it. But walking into a locker room for the first time and seeing guys across the room who have punched you in the face before … yeah, it’s a bit awkward.

Kesler had spent his entire career with the Canucks prior to the trade to Anaheim, scoring a career-high 41 goals for Vancouver in 2010-11. 

I wanted a trade out of Vancouver this offseason for several reasons. That’s no disrespect to the fans, my teammates, or Canucks ownership, but I think both sides needed a change. I’ve got three kids at home; I just wanted a more normal life for them away from the rink. Playing in Canada can be a fishbowl not just for players but for families, too. 

Kesler brought to light some of the things fans don't read about when trades are announced such as moving from one country to another and all of the effects it has on a player and his family. 

How am I going to tell my 6-year-old daughter that she has to say goodbye to her best friends? What happens with my Canadian bank account? How do those taxes work? Where do I live? How do you even move furniture and stuff?

I had spent my entire career in Vancouver. I probably called my agent 20 times that week with some variation of, “Uh, Kurt, this is really embarrassing, but how do I do [this thing]?”

Trade deadline day saw 43 players moved in 24 separate deals. Kesler said that being moved may initially come with anxiety for players.

It would be easy to say that everything gelled instantly, and we all became best friends. But any hockey player who’s ever gotten traded will call me on that B. S. right away. That’s not how it works. You have to prove yourself. It takes time to form that bond.

The Ducks currently sit first in the NHL with 91 points and Kesler has been a big part of the team's success, scoring 41 points in 66 games.