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Vancouver’s Kesler undergoes shoulder surgery, out six months

Vancouver Canucks v Phoenix Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks awaits a face off during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on November 25 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Canucks defeated the Coyotes 5-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Christian Petersen

For the second straight year, Ryan Kesler has undergone major offseason surgery.

That’s the news out of Vancouver today as the Canucks announced the former Selke Trophy winner had successful shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum his shoulder.

“After consultation with our team physicians following the playoffs, it was deemed that Ryan would require a procedure on his shoulder,” said Canucks GM Mike Gillis. “We expect a full recovery and determined this procedure would best serve both Ryan and the team’s long term goals.”

Kesler’s recovery is expected to last six months, and it won’t be his first lengthy rehab from injury.

In Aug. 2011, Kesler had surgery to repair a labrum issue in his hip, a procedure that sidelined him for all of training camp and the first five games of the regular season. It was widely speculated that Kesler rushed back to action -- the original diagnosis for recovery was for up to 12 weeks; he was back playing in 10.

The 27-year-old has been known to try and push through injury. After a season-ending playoff loss to Los Angeles, Kesler admitted he’d played for the final two months with a bad shoulder, perhaps explaining why he failed to score in Vancouver’s 17 final regular season games and all five postseason contests.