Kesler doesn't expect to be ready until January


Vancouver center Ryan Kesler is still rehabbing from offseason shoulder and wrist surgeries and doesn't expect to be ready to play in a game until at least January.

"I'm still pretty banged up," Kesler told the Vancouver Sun. "Can't shoot. Can't really even stickhandle yet."

Kesler had wrist surgery in early May and then shoulder surgery in late June.

"I think the timeline was December before the wrist [surgery]," said Kesler, adding that his progress will be evaluated by his doctors in December. "When the wrist came into effect, it really hindered the shoulder. I couldn't do much for eight weeks so that puts you back two months with the shoulder. Strength-wise, I'm pretty far behind."

As an injured NHL player, Kesler is able to rehab at Rogers Center under the supervision of the Canucks' medical staff.

Kesler also had hip surgery on July 25, 2011, meaning he had three surgeries in a calendar year.

"Injuries are part of the game and they happen to everybody, but I've been on a bit of an unlucky streak the last year," Kesler said. "No one wants to have three surgeries in a calendar year. It was tough but, in saying that, I'm just trying to get back to 100 percent. It's going to take a while but I'm putting in the time and effort. I just have to be patient and let everything heal."