Son of ex-Vancouver Canucks' Ryan Kesler following in his father's footsteps
Nostalgia was hitting Vancouver Canucks fans during the 2026 OHL Draft.
While Manny Malhotra’s son, Caleb, is the most notable son of a Canucks player right now, two other boys of retired Canucks heard their names called by OHL teams.
Ryan Kesler’s son, Ryker, was selected in the first round of the draft, 27th overall, by the London Knights on Friday.
Ryker, who at 15 years old already stands at 6-foot-2, posted 15 goals and 35 points in 20 games for the Little Caesars U15 AAA team in Michigan this season.
Although it doesn’t say on his Elite Prospects page, Ryker Kesler was likely born in Vancouver, considering that his birthday is Dec. 19, 2010. Ryan Kesler left the Canucks around that time to be with his wife for Ryker’s birth.
The prospect, who is eligible for the 2029 NHL draft, said he models his game after Leo Carlsson.
Although Kesler’s son was selected early in the second round of the 15-round draft, another former Canucks player heard his son’s name called even earlier.
Dan Cloutier’s kid, Kale, was selected first overall by the Oshawa Generals.
Kale Cloutier was the third-most productive player in the GTHL U16 AAA league this year, posting 32 goals and 58 points in 33 games.
The fact that Cloutier’s only son was drafted first overall in the OHL draft bodes well for his NHL future. Recent first overall picks in the OHL draft include Michael Misa, Matthew Schaefer, Shane Wright, Quintin Byfield, Ryan McLeod, and Travis Konecny.
Since Kane Cloutier is six months older than Ryker Kesler, he will be eligible for the 2028 NHL draft.
Dan Cloutier is one of only five Canucks goaltenders with 100+ career wins. He ranks fifth behind Roberto Luongo, Kirk McLean, Thatcher Demko, and Richard Brodeur.