Ryan Kesler injury: Canucks center hopes to be back by January

Ryan Kesler injury: Canucks forward still 'months away' from return

Offseason surgeries on Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler's wrist and shoulder have resulted in a slow recovery.

Ryan Kesler injury update: Canucks center hopes for January return

Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler isn't expected to play until January as he rehabs from multiple offseason surgeries, NHL.com reports.

Kesler underwent wrist surgery in May, and then shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum in June. Kesler told the Vancouver Sun he can't even handle his hockey stick yet.

Doctors originally penciled Kesler in for a December return but the additional shoulder surgery complicated things. "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," Kesler said.

Kesler also had hip surgery in July of 2011. The center is able to rehab at the Rogers Center with the help of the Canucks medical staff.

He played in 77 regular season games in the 2012 season, scoring 22 goals and 27 assists. He had three assists during the Canucks' first round Stanley Cup Playoffs exit to the Los Angeles Kings.

Ryan Kesler Has Successful Shoulder Surgery, Recovery To Take 6 Months

Ryan Kesler underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, the Vancouver Canucks announced Tuesday. He is expected to make a full recovery in six months.