In his 31 thoughts column for Sportsnet.ca, Elliotte Friedman broke a story that Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler may miss the entire 2018-19 season. What do the Ducks do without him?
For the first three months of the last season, the Anaheim Ducks learned the hard way what its like to play without Ryan Kesler. They may have to do it again.
The Story
Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Ryan Kesler may miss all next season due to his hip injury. Apparently, Kesler toughed out the 48 combined regular season and playoff games he appeared in 2017-18. Friedman reported:
"“From what I understand, he will not be having surgery (that’s been done). Instead, he’s undergoing some aggressive rehab and treatment in an effort to improve the hip area. The team and agent are not commenting, but word is he is not interested in retiring, wants to play and is doing everything he can to get there.”"
He goes on to say that Kesler is considering sitting out 2018-19 and returning in 2019-20. The Ducks won’t know his disposition until close to the opening of training camp.
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The Fallout
Kesler is one of the top defensive forwards in the league when healthy. He’s also dynamite on faceoffs. Last year was the second-worst faceoff win percentage of his career and he still managed to win 53.4% of his draws. Kesler’s skill set isn’t replaceable.
The Anaheim Ducks tried last season with a combination of Antoine Vermette, Dennis Rasmussen, and Derek Grant. It didn’t work. What do the Anaheim Ducks do this time around if Kesler is unable to play?
First of all Ducks’ GM Bob Murray can’t wait to find a replacement. He has to be proactive. John Taveras is the way to go. If Kesler goes on long-term injured reserve, his $6.875M contract doesn’t count against the cap. Trade Jakob Silfverberg and it’s more than enough money to pay Taveras. If RK17 does come back later in the season, Murray can trade Adam Henrique, who will no longer be necessary.
Plan B is for the Ducks to go with Getzlaf, and Henrique one, two and they may be able to sign someone like Tomas Plekanec, or Jay Beagle on a one year contract to hold down the third line.
Next: Ducks must trade Silfverberg
The Wrap
Losing Kesler for an extended period would be a tough blow for the Anaheim Ducks to overcome. It isn’t however impossible with pre-planning.