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Kesler’s agent on client’s recovery: “He’s not ahead of schedule”

Ryan Kesler

Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler warms up before facing the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Denver on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

David Zalubowski

As reported by the Vancouver Province, Canucks GM Mike Gillis went on TEAM 1040 and claimed that Ryan Kesler was “slightly ahead” of schedule after undergoing shoulder surgery in May.

If you heard that and took it as a sign that Kesler might still be ready for the start of the season, you should hear what his agent, Kurt Overhardt had to say.

“It’s not happening,” Overhardt said. “He’s not ahead of schedule and there’s no rushing him back. He’s on course to return in December and he’s not returning until he’s 100 per cent. Don’t expect him until December.”

According to Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman, Kesler also underwent minor wrist surgery.

“He had been experiencing some mild discomfort and had some tendon issues that needed to be cleaned up,” Gilman said.

Although Gillis previously argued that Kesler had “no excuses” for his disappointing 2011-12 campaign, it’s not hard to buy into the idea that these injuries impacted his play.

Perhaps he’ll be capable of putting of putting his rough season behind him when he returns in December, but in the meantime, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly thinking about signing Jason Arnott.