Despite no official word regarding defenseman Ben Lovejoy’s injured hand, the Anaheim Ducks are preparing themselves for the worst.
Lovejoy left Sunday night’s clash against the San Jose Sharks following a fight with Sharks forward Joe Pavelski. According to Sportsnet and Kevin Weekes of the NHL Network, Lovejoy suffered a broken hand during the scrap.
However, neither the Ducks nor Ducks’ radio analyst Dan Wood have confirmed the report.
To those who've asked, have yet to receive a report on @RevLovejoy6.
— Dan Wood (@RealDanWood) October 27, 2014
Although Lovejoy’s status remains unknown, the Ducks are expected to lose the 30-year-old defenseman for an extended period of time. As a result, 23-year-old defenseman Josh Manson has been recalled from Norfolk.
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Manson, a sixth round (160th overall) draft pick of the Ducks in the 2011 NHL Draft, played three seasons at Northeastern University before joining the Admirals late last season. In 14 career AHL contests, Manson has one goal and one assist.
Here is a brief snippet of analysis on Manson, per Hockey’s Future:
"Manson is definitely a project, having heretofore played in a bit of obscurity and made a major transition. He seems like an intriguing flier to have taken in the sixth round, a big kid with puck skills and a solid pedigree despite some unusual playing venues. — Hockey’s Future, Josh Manson"
The 6-foot-3, 205 pound native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan could see his first NHL action this week on the Ducks’ four-game road swing.