The Ducks confirmed what was already believed about Kesler’s status for the 2020 season. Kesler underwent right hip refacing surgery in early-May and will not play this season but the door is still open for him to resume his NHL career following a lengthy recovery.
Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving hip replacement that can provide pain relief and increase function in normal activities of daily living. The surgery does leave open the possibility that Kesler could resume his NHL career following a lengthy recovery. "As we all know, Ryan has been fiercely battling his condition for quite some time," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. "I've been extremely impressed by his determination to play despite being significantly injured. At this point, Ryan needs to think about his life and family. The pain he felt was significant and we agree with his decision to have this surgery. While it's unlikely he will play in 2019-20, we will support any decision he makes about his future playing career.”
Kesler has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but will play Monday in Toronto. Kesler has done nothing offensively this season, scoring just four goals with two assists in 44 games.
Kesler played just 5:06 TOI in Detroit before leaving with a lower-body injury. Kesler will miss at least the next three games, so look for Adam Henrique to be back on the Ducks top power-play unit on Thursday. Max Jones and Troy Terry were recalled from San Diego (AHL) to replace Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg (lower-body).
Kesler has recorded three goals and one assist in 12 games this season, but could be out of the lineup on Tuesday. The Ducks recalled Chase De Leo from San Diego (AHL) and he would draw into the lineup if Kesler and Ryan Getzlaf can’t go.
Kesler was surprisingly skating on the Ducks second line in Wednesday’s morning skate and is officially listed as a game-time decision. Kesler has not been medically cleared to play, but that could come later today. Keep an eye on Kesler’s status as the Ducks hit the ice for warmups at 9:30pm ET.
Kesler joined his teammates for Sunday’s practice but still has not been cleared for contact. Head coach Randy Carlyle said Kesler is unlikely to play in the season opener on October 3rd, which means Sam Steel could get an early look on the second or third line. Kesler is in the midst of a slow build-up after hip surgery in 2017.
Kesler underwent offseason hip surgery on June 8th and Ducks’ General Manager Bob Murray hopes that Kesler will be back by Christmas, but added that there is no official timetable on his return. With Kesler out, Antoine Vermette could play with Andrew Cogliano and Jakob Silfverberg, while Rickard Rakell has also shifted back to centre to start training camp.
Kesler was held out of Wednesday’s contest as he rested up an elbow injury. He is expected to be back in the lineup on Friday against the Avalanche. With Kesler likely back-in, expect Emerson Etem to take a seat.
Kesler appeared to catch Dorsett knee-on-knee. Dorsett left the game and did not return, but as of now, Kesler will not face any supplementary discipline for the hit.
Kesler scored 25 goals and 18 assists (43 points) but was a career worst minus-15 in 77 games this season. Kesler has spent his entire 10-year career with the Canucks but will now move the Anaheim where he will likely centre the second line behind Ryan Getzlaf. This trade makes the Ducks a much more difficult team to play against, especially come playoff time. Kesler will turn 30 in August and is signed through the next two seasons at a $5 million dollar cap-hit.
Kesler has missed the last four games since injuring his knee on March 12th. Expect Jordan Schroeder to sit with Kesler returning. He should centre the second line as usual and skate with the Sedin's on the first power-play unit.
Kesler is skating on a line with his regular linemates Chris Higgins and and Jannik Hansen. He was expected to miss at least a "couple of weeks" and has been out for nine days. Skating on his regular line would suggest that he could be back in the lineup on Sunday. Expect a full update after practice.
