"I think he has to use the players around him a little bit more so that he can get into open space and create the type of offensive chances and be the type of defensive player that he can be," Vigneault told the Sun.

The 27-year-old was not told of those comments until Monday, to which he responded after the club’s practice at Rogers Arena.

"Me utilize my players," Kesler asked. "Obviously, I don't know what he means by that and if he wants to say that he can come to me and talk to me about it."

Although Kesler has acknowledged it took him some time to get back into the game following off-season hip surgery that caused him to miss the first five games of the season, he has still managed to record 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 41 games.

Last year, Kesler had a career-high 41 goals and 32 assists for 73 points and was awarded the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.

However, Vigneault was quick to emphasize that Kesler is not the only top Canuck player struggling.

"Ryan and Hank and Danny (Sedin), I can name quite a few other guys who (are struggling)," Vigneault added later on Monday. "Sometimes players are going to be a little bit off. Right now we have a couple of guys who are just a tad off. They are aware of it, it's not from lack of preparation or trying. You are going to get these moments in a season."

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