What impact can a healthy Patrick Eaves have on the Anaheim Ducks roster?

CALGARY, AB - APRIL 17: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Calgary Flames during Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 17, 2017 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)"n
CALGARY, AB - APRIL 17: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Calgary Flames during Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 17, 2017 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)"n
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA: Anaheim Ducks Right Wing Patrick Eaves (18) celebrates after assisting on scoring the Ducks third goal of the game in the second period during game 1 of the first round of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks  The Ducks defeated the Flames 3-2. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Since his diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome last year, Anaheim Ducks forward Patrick Eaves was determined to fight his way back to the NHL. With the life-altering disease in tow, there wasn’t much optimism. Recent reports indicate things have changed. Now there is little reason to doubt “The Beard” can make a comeback.

Patrick Eaves discussed his physical and neurological status with Eric Stephens of  “The Athletic.” In the interview, Eaves disclosed that he was misdiagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and now has a clean bill of neurological health. He went on to say his recovery process has been intense, but he’ll be ready for the start of the Anaheim Ducks season. Stephens did a fantastic job illustrating the entire process and his article is worth a read.

If Eaves was entering into the season with Guillain-Barré syndrome, playing on the fourth line would have been a success. Now that he isn’t dealing with any neurological issues whatsoever, it means the Anaheim Ducks are adding a key piece to the top nine.

He missed an entire season. Due to all the changes that occurred with his body between then and now, it will take a while for the rust to come off. Once it does, the Ducks will have a deep roster.

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