One of the Vancouver Canucks’ biggest necessities heading further into the stretch drive and the post-season is a proven NHL center.
While general manager Mike Gillis could acquire one through a trade, the Canucks have received good news with respect to the injured Ryan Kesler.
Ben Kuzma of The Province reported that a CT scan Monday revealed a hairline fracture in his right foot was fully healed.
Dan Murphy of Sportsnet reported on Twitter Monday evening that Kesler “could be back in a week.”
Kesler has played in just seven games for Vancouver this season. He missed almost a full month of the truncated regular season after having wrist and shoulder surgeries during last year’s off-season.
In seven games, the 2011 Selke Trophy winner had one goal and five assists.
Kesler suffered the injury blocking a shot on Feb. 15 against the Dallas Stars, which happened to be his first game back from his off-season operations and rehab.