Updated

Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler has a sprained knee and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks.

Canucks coach John Tortorella made the announcement Friday during the club's morning skate prior to a game against the Washington Capitals.

"Nothing we can do about that, upside is that it gives others an opportunity," said Tortorella.

Kesler was hurt during the second period of Wednesday's game against Winnipeg when he took a knee-on-knee hit from the Jets' Jim Slater.

The subject of numerous trade rumors prior to last week's deadline, Kesler is Vancouver's leading goal scorer with 22 and his 40 points trail only Henrik Sedin's 41 for the team lead.