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Kesler won’t make the mistake of returning too early again

Ryan Kesler

To Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, it looks like Ryan Kesler has already recovered by “leaps and bounds” from offseason wrist and back surgeries.

Kesler, on the other hand, is sounding a more conservative tone.

“I’ve had a couple of good days of practice and I’m just going from there,” Kesler said today in Minnesota, per The Province.

“There are areas out there where I don’t feel comfortable, so there’s no timeline at all. Until I feel that comfort level and feel I can step in and contribute the way I can, I’ll be playing then.”

It’s not the first time the organization’s optimism has been contrasted by Kesler’s caution. In the summer, general manager Mike Gillis claimed the 2011 Selke Trophy winner was “slightly ahead” of schedule in his recovery -- a claim that was quickly refuted by Kesler’s agent.

It’s clear the 28-year-old center is concerned about coming back too soon, as he believes he did last season following offseason hip surgery.

“I made the mistake before and I won’t make it again,” he said.