Ryan Kesler's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ryan Kesler. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Ryan Kesler is a retired American professional ice hockey center, drafted 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2003. He played for the Canucks for a decade before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he finished his NHL career. Kesler was known as a skilled two-way forward with an aggressive, agitating playing style. His most notable achievement was winning the Selke Trophy in 2011, awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward, while also being a finalist for the award four other times.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2001: Kesler wins gold at World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2001, Ryan Kesler competed at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in New Glasgow and Truro, Nova Scotia, helping the American team win a gold medal. He recorded one goal and five assists in six games.

2002: Kesler wins U18 title and Best Player Award

In 2002, Ryan Kesler participated in the IIHF World U18 Championships in Slovakia, finishing with seven points in eight games. The Americans won their first U18 title, and Kesler was awarded the Best Player Award for the tournament.

2004: Kesler wins IIHF World U20 Championship

In 2004, Ryan Kesler scored two goals as the Americans went 4-0 to win Pool A and advance to the semi-finals. In the gold medal game, Kesler scored the game-tying goal as the Americans won their first IIHF World U20 Championship.

2008: Kesler develops offensive game, earns Selke nomination

During the 2008-09 season, Ryan Kesler began to add a more offensive component to his game and earned his first Selke Trophy nomination as the NHL's best defensive forward.

2009: Selke Trophy Finalist

In 2009, Ryan Kesler was a finalist for the Selke Trophy.

2009: Cyclone Taylor Award and Selke Trophy Finalist

In 2009, Ryan Kesler was awarded the Cyclone Taylor Award as team MVP and was a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

November 24, 2010: Kesler scores 100th career NHL goal

On November 24, 2010, Ryan Kesler scored his 100th career NHL goal in a 4–2 win against the Colorado Avalanche.

2010: Selke Trophy Finalist

In 2010, Ryan Kesler was a finalist for the Selke Trophy.

May 24, 2011: Kesler injures hip, scores tying goal

On May 24, 2011, during the playoffs, Ryan Kesler appeared to injure his hip or groin but returned to score the game-tying goal against the San Jose Sharks, helping the Canucks advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

2011: Selke Trophy Winner

In 2011, Ryan Kesler won the Selke Trophy.

November 22, 2013: Kesler records 200th career assist

On November 22, 2013, Ryan Kesler recorded his 200th career assist on a goal by Henrik Sedin in a 6–2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

March 18, 2015: Kesler scores his 200th career goal

On March 18, 2015, Ryan Kesler scored his 200th career goal in a 3–2 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

2016: Selke Trophy Finalist

In 2016, Ryan Kesler was a finalist for the Selke Trophy.

2016: Kesler's performance in 2015-16 season and playoffs

In the 2015-16 season, Ryan Kesler placed third in Selke Trophy voting and earned a fifth place vote in the Hart Memorial Trophy race. He recorded 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) in 79 games. During the 2016 playoffs, Kesler recorded four goals in seven games, but the Ducks were defeated by the Nashville Predators in the first round.

2016: Kesler's performance in the 2016-17 season

In the 2016-17 NHL season, Ryan Kesler recorded 58 points in 82 games. The Anaheim Ducks had a lengthy playoff run, losing in six games to the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference Finals. Kesler finished second in the Selke Trophy race and earned his second All-Star appearance.

January 1, 2017: Kesler records hat-trick

On January 1, 2017, Ryan Kesler recorded his fourth career hat-trick in a 4–3 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

2017: Selke Trophy Finalist

In 2017, Ryan Kesler was a finalist for the Selke Trophy.

March 5, 2019: Kesler plays his 1,000th NHL game

On March 5, 2019, Ryan Kesler played his 1,000th NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes, becoming the 333rd player in NHL history to reach this milestone.