The Anaheim Ducks announced Wednesday the signing of center Ryan Kesler to a six-year, $41.25 million contract extension, which will earn him $6.875 million annually.
Anaheim had a great campaign last season but was eliminated by eventual champions the Chicago Blackhawks in a seven-game series in the Western Conference Final.
"They wanted me and I wanted to stay. It's a great organization, great owners, great management that wants to win, great coaches, great trainers. To be a part of this organization for six more years, it's a good feeling. My family and I are very happy," Kesler said in a conference call Wednesday.
The 30-year-old spent his first year with the Ducks last season after 10 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks.
Kesler played in 81 regular season games during the 2014-15 season and tallied 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists).
In their playoff campaign, Kesler scored seven goals and had six assists in 16 games.
Kesler believes the Ducks can win the Stanley Cup and that they would not be satisfied winning one because then they would want to win another.
"We were one game away from going to the Final. That experience will help us next year," he added citing the Western Conference Final loss to Chicago.
Kesler also shared "We all thought we deserved better. We want to win the Stanley Cup. Our team is young, and we have some really good pieces. We just need to put them all together. I'm just excited to be part of this group going forward."
He said that his current contract with Anaheim will not be his last and would want another once the deal expires.
Kesler said he has the support of his family and is ready to leave the game when it is time to retire but believes he can play out his contract and get another one after it.
"I see myself and this team being good for a long time," he added.
