Who Is Ryan Kesler? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Ryan Kesler is 40 years old. Born in Livonia, Michigan, he quickly showcased his prowess on the ice, leading him to a successful career in the NHL. Kesler was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2003 and became known for his defensive skills and scoring ability. Throughout his career, he played for notable teams including the Vancouver Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks. His dedication to the sport has made him a respected figure in hockey circles.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Livonia, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ryan Kesler's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ryan Kesler stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighs approximately 202 pounds (92 kg). Renowned for his physical style of play, he maintains a well-conditioned physique. His athletic build complements his gameplay, allowing him to compete at high levels throughout his career.
On May 24, 2007, the Canucks re-signed Kesler to a three-year, $5.25 million contract extension. In comparison to his previous contract, facilitated by the Flyers' offer sheet, the deal represented a $150,000 pay cut in terms of average annual salary.
On October 10, three games into 2007–08, Kesler was cross-checked in the face by Philadelphia Flyers forward Jesse Boulerice. The cross-check was an immediate response to Kesler hitting Flyers defenseman Randy Jones and resulted in Kesler leaving the game with a sore jaw.
Boulerice was subsequently suspended for 25 games, matching the then largest suspension in NHL history. Later in the season, on March 12, 2008, Kesler was involved in another violent on-ice incident when Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger used his skate blade to stomp on Kesler's calf. Kesler was not injured on the play.
Although the NHL originally announced Pronger would not receive a suspension on the play, he later received an eight-game suspension when new video emerged of the incident.
Over the course of the season, Kesler established himself as a solid two-way center, scoring what was then a career-high 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points in 80 games and playing a regular shutdown role against opposing teams' top players and on the penalty kill with linemate Alexandre Burrows.
Despite his improved individual play and increased role within the team, the Canucks failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, coming three points back from the last playoff spot.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ryan Kesler is married to his long-time partner. The couple has been together since their early years and shares a strong family bond. Kesler and his wife have three children, and they often showcase their family life on social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of family values in their lives.
He is the youngest of three children, after brother Todd and sister Jenny. His father, Mike, played college ice hockey at Colorado College and was a supervisor with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association for 37 years. He introduced his children to the ice at a very young age; Ryan recalls skating at around age four.
Mike also coaches a Junior B ice hockey team and runs an ice hockey school in Livonia, which Kesler attended as a child every summer from the age of six to seventeen. In April 2007, Mike was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer and had seven inches of his small intestine removed in order to be rid of it.
Net Worth and Salary
Ryan Kesler's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $40 million. Over his illustrious NHL career, he has earned substantial salaries from his team contracts, endorsements, and other ventures. Notably, Kesler played on lucrative contracts, including a reported $62.8 million deal over a six-year period with the Anaheim Ducks. His investments in real estate and other businesses contribute significantly to his impressive net worth.
Upon being drafted, Kesler considered returning to Ohio State for his sophomore season or joining the Brampton Battalion, who still held his OHL rights. However, on August 18, 2003, less than two months after being drafted, Kesler signed a three-year, $2.475-million entry-level contract with the Canucks, complemented by an $850,000 signing bonus.
After attending Canucks training camp and playing in five preseason games, Kesler was cut by the Canucks and sent to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his NHL career, Ryan Kesler achieved numerous accolades, including being named to the NHL All-Star team and winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy (awarded to the league's best defensive forward). After retiring from professional hockey, he has ventured into various business opportunities, including sports commentary and hockey training clinics. Additionally, his investments extend to real estate, making him a savvy entrepreneur off the ice.
Ryan James Kesler (born August 31, 1984) is an American former professional ice hockey center.
Selected in the first round, 23rd overall, by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Kesler spent the first 10 years of his National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Canucks after which he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2014 with whom he spent the rest of his career.
He is best known for being a two-way forward and his agitating style of play, winning the Selke Trophy in 2011 while also being a finalist for the award in 2009, 2010, 2016 and 2017.
Social Network
Ryan Kesler maintains a presence on several social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he has a dedicated fanbase. His accounts often feature updates on his family, philanthropic efforts, and insights into post-retirement life. Kesler uses his platform to engage with fans and promote initiatives that support youth hockey programs.
With the departures of Markus Näslund, Brendan Morrison and Trevor Linden following the 2008 off-season, the Canucks were left without any captains for the 2008–09 season. On September 30, 2008, Kesler was announced as a Canucks alternate captain with Willie Mitchell and Mattias Öhlund, while Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo was named captain.
While he at first continued to play on the third line in a largely defensive role with Burrows, head coach Alain Vigneault eventually split the duo in the midst of a poor January for the team. As a result, Kesler was placed on the second line with free agent acquisitions Pavol Demitra and Mats Sundin.
Playing in a more offensive role, he set then-personal bests for the 2008–09 season, with 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points in all 82 contests played as the Canucks returned to the playoffs, finishing third in the West.
As a result of his breakout season, he was awarded the Cyclone Taylor Award as team MVP ahead of higher-profile teammates Luongo and Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Kesler gained additional recognition on a league-wide basis as a Frank J. Selke Trophy finalist along with Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings and Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers.
He finished as second runner-up with one first-place vote. In the 2009 playoffs, Kesler would record two goals and assists for four points in all 10 games as the Canucks went on to sweep the St. Louis Blues in round one before getting defeated in the second round in six games by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Education
Ryan Kesler attended Michigan State University, where he played college hockey before entering the NHL draft. His time at the university not only honed his skills on the ice, but also allowed him to develop a deeper understanding of teamwork and discipline, attributes that have guided his professional journey.
In conclusion, Ryan Kesler remains an influential figure in the world of ice hockey even in 2025. His legacy is not only defined by his success in the NHL, but also his commitment to family and community, making him a role model for aspiring athletes and fans alike.
Kesler played junior ice hockey with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program from which he then accepted a scholarship to play college ice hockey with the Ohio State Buckeyes of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).
In one season with the Buckeyes, he was an honorable mention for the CCHA All-Rookie Team and was named CCHA Rookie of the Week three times and CCHA Rookie of the Month once.
In addition to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Kesler has also suited up for the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he was named to the 2005 AHL All-Star Game.
