Anaheim Ducks: Joseph Blandisi Should Step in for Ryan Kesler

It’s time for the Anaheim Ducks to seriously consider giving Ryan Kesler some time off. Calling up Joseph Blandisi from the San Diego Gulls would be the perfect option to give RK17 the much-needed rest he deserves.

Christmas break is officially over. This means the Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for the second-half resurgence they have become so accustomed too. However, if they have any hopes of securing a spot for themselves in the playoffs, there is an issue they need to attend to.

It’s time for them to do something about Ryan Kesler. There are many of us holding onto the hope that it’s just a matter of him giving his body a little rest. Let’s face the facts, Ryan Kesler’s best days may be behind him.

Rest can certainly do wonders when your body is in pain, so I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, I know I’m not the only one who is shocked by how often we see number 17 on the ice.

Kesler went from possibly sitting the entire 2018-19 season out to playing an average of 17:41 per game. Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell are the only two forwards with a higher ATOI (average time on ice) than Kesler.

That is insane, especially considering how debilitating his injury was last season. I think it’s safe to say that we all hoped the Anaheim Ducks would take extra precautions with Kesler this year to keep him in good health.

Ryan Kesler is Suffering and So Is the Team

I sometimes think both Ryan Kesler and the coaching staff forget about his hip. He’s being stretched thin, and his recent production furthers my case. In December he only has one point to his name.

No, that is not a typo. His last point was a primary assist on Hampus Lindholm‘s game-tying goal against the Washington Capitals on December 2. His last goal was on November 6, the Anaheim Ducks only goal against the Los Angeles Kings.

If this doesn’t scream “Ryan Kesler needs a break!” I don’t know what will. Who knows what the extenuating circumstances are surrounding the Anaheim Ducks refusal to bench Kesler. He could benefit from it. The Anaheim Ducks could certainly benefit from it as well.

So, the next question is, who steps in and takes his place? The Ducks have gone back and forth between scratching Brian Gibbons and Ben Street. Unfortunately, Gibbons isn’t much better than Kesler and Street has gone cold after his small hot streak at the beginning of the season.

Looking at the players down on the farm would be a smart move on the Anaheim Ducks part. Joseph Blandisi seems like the obvious answer to me. The young center was given three games to prove himself both this season and last season. That is hardly enough time to have a proper sample size. It’s time for the Ducks to give Blandisi his moment in the sun.

Why Joseph Blandisi?

There are many wonderful options down in San Diego and Joseph Blandisi may not be everyone’s first choice. However, I believe the 24-year-old center has a lot to offer the Anaheim Ducks. As previously mentioned, he was given three games both this season and last season to prove himself.

After he failed to produce in those three games, he was sent down to San Diego Gulls. That is not nearly enough time to properly gauge what he could contribute to the team. I think he should be given at least a fair chance to prove that he has what it takes to be a threat in the NHL.

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Blandisi has 14 points in 18 games. Although that is not out of this world, it’s still relatively decent for someone who was never projected to be a top six center. With Ryan Kesler currently slotting in as the Anaheim Ducks third line center, this would be the perfect stop for Blandisi.

There is a question as to whether or not he would have chemistry with Jakob Silfverberg or Andrew Cogliano. I think Blandisi would be the perfect balance for the “shut down” line.

He provides offense, which could serve to benefit Silfverbeg. Although Silfverberg is put on the ice for the purpose of shutting down the opponent, he shows flashes of offensive brilliance. There was a time this season where he was leading the team in goals. I think placing him alongside Kesler again has really pulled him down.

Blandisi also isn’t afraid to play physical, much like the Kesler of old. He may be on the smaller side, but he isn’t afraid to get under the skin off his opponent or stand up for his teammates. This could aid him in playing alongside Cogliano, who is more of a defensively minded forward. Blandisi could also be the force that pushes Cogliano to be slightly more offensively minded.

At this point, as long as Blandisi can contribute and produce something, it benefits the team more than having Ryan Kesler in the lineup. Only time will tell if rest is really what Kesler needs or if it is time for him to hang up his skates.

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