Canucks GM Benning: 'We're trying to figure out [Ryan Kesler's] situation right now'

During an appearance on Vancouver sports radio station The Team 1040 on Friday afternoon, Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning addressed the status of malcontent center Ryan Kesler, who has requested a trade out of Vancouver according to multiple reports.

"We're trying to figure out Ryan's situation right now," Benning said, adding that he's in daily communication with Kesler's Denver-based agent Kurt Overhardt. "Beyond that, I don't have much more."

Though Benning essentially declined comment, his statement speaks volumes. One can strongly imply that "we're trying to figure out Ryan's situation right now" likely means that the Cancuks are trying to work out an agreeable deal with a team that the former Selke winner, whose $5 million per season contract includes a full no-trade clause, is willing to be traded to.

It was reported around the NHL trade deadline that Kesler was willing to be traded to one of six teams, and TSN's Darren Dreger has suggested that the Philadelphia Flyers should be added to that group.