Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler was doing damage control after practice on Thursday, refuting a report that hes asked for a trade. "I never commented to anyone that I wanted out," he explained. "My heart is with this group and making the playoffs." Kesler added that the rumours are "completely false" that he asked to be traded - recently or ever. "I dont want to talk about this," he continued. "I dont want this to be a distraction...Im happy to be here." While theres lots of speculation that the Canucks could be looking to move the 29-year-old centre, TVA Sports reported on Wednesday night that Kesler approached the team requesting to be dealt. Speaking to Adrian Dater of The Denver Post on Wednesday night, Keslers agent Kurt Overhardt also denied the story, calling it "a bunch of B.S." Kesler, 29, is recovering from a hand injury and did not dress on Wednesday night for Vancouvers post-Olympic opener against the St. Louis Blues. He hopes to play Friday night when the Canucks host the Minnesota Wild. He has two more years remaining on a six-year, $30 million contract, which pays him $5 million in each of the next two seasons. "Whether he wants to go or stay, hes not going anywhere," Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo told reporters. "We all know how this script ends." Jason Martin Jersey .The Dallas Cowboys released Sam from the practice squad Tuesday, dropping the rush end as they prepare for several potential reinforcements to return to the defensive line. Kent Tekulve Jersey . LOUIS -- St. https://www.cheappiratesjerseys.us/1072e...ey-pirates.html. -- Michael Bennett gambled last off-season that playing on a one-year deal in Seattle would pay off in the future with the long-term contract he always wanted. Kyle Crick Jersey . TSN Hockey Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie both reported Thursday that there have been ongoing trade discussions between the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings over forward Sam Gagner. Pittsburgh Pirates Shirts . Altidore strained his left hamstring in the Americans opener against Ghana on June 16 and didnt play in their next two games. "We dont know how much because we need to see how hes going, but hes available," U.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Alex Cobb pitched neatly into the eighth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays became just the fourth team in major league history to reach .500 after falling 18 games under in the same season, beating the New York Yankees 5-0 Friday night. The Rays won their third in a row and sent New York to its fifth straight loss. Tampa Bay also accomplished the comeback feat in 2004 when known as the Devil Rays. The 1899 Louisville Colonels and 2006 Florida Marlins have also gotten back to the break-even point after dropping 18 under. The Rays, now 61-61, were 24-42 on June 10. They are trying to become the first club to finish with a winning record after being so far under. Cobb (8-6) gave up six hits in 7 1-3 innings, striking out eight and walking one. He improved 4-0 in six career home starts against the Yankees. After giving up a single to Derek Jeter that loaded the bases, Brad Boxberger struck Jacoby Ellsbury and Mark Teixeira. Tampa Bay has held its opponents to three runs or less in a club-record 11 consecutive games. Brandon McCarthyy (4-2) gave up four runs and seven hits over 6 1-3 innings.dddddddddddd New York has scored a total of seven runs during its current skid, which includes a pair of shutouts. The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the first on RBI grounders by Evan Longoria and James Loney. Loney homered in the eighth when Esmil Rogers tried to quick pitch him. Curt Casali singled home a run and Ben Zobrist hit the Rays third RBI grounder of the game during the seventh as Tampa Bay took a 4-0 lead. TRAINERS ROOM Yankees: C Brian McCann could be activated from the seven-day concussion list this weekend. ... RHP Masahiro Tanaka (right elbow) will have his first bullpen session Saturday. Rays: CF Desmond Jennings (sore left shoulder) was back in the starting lineup after missing two games. UP NEXT Rays LHP Drew Smyly (7-10) and Yankees rookie RHP Shane Greene (3-1) are Saturdays scheduled starters. Smyly will make his first home start since being obtained from Detroit in a three-team deal July 31 that sent Tampa Bay ace David Price to the Tigers. ' ' '