The Anaheim Ducks announced that forwards Patrick Eaves and Ryan Kesler will both miss the entire 2019-2020 season.
NEWS: Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray confirmed today both Patrick Eaves and Ryan Kesler will miss the entirety of the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/Ut29xH8ZfF
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) September 13, 2019
Ducks to Be Without Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves for 2019-2020 Season
Last season, Kesler scored five goals and three assists for eight points to go along with 60 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 44.3 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -5.1. Eaves failed to record a point in the seven games that he appeared in last season for the Ducks.
Over his 15-year NHL career, Kesler has played for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. He has 258 goals and 315 assists for 573 career points in 1001 career games. He was originally drafted by the Canucks 23rd overall in the 2003 NHL Draft.
Over his 14-year NHL career, Eaves has played for the Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and Anaheim Ducks. He has 132 goals and 110 assists for 242 career points in 633 career games. He was originally drafted by the Senators 29th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft.
What This Means for the Future
Kesler missed the end of last season after going in for right hip resurfacing surgery. It was noted at the time that it would be a lengthy recovery. Eaves has played in only nine games for the Ducks over the course of his two years with the team. It will be interesting to see if both guys are able to fully recover and be able to play during the 2020-21 season.
Both Eaves and Kesler both being placed on long-term IR it will clear $10 million in cap room for the Ducks. With the money now available, It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Ducks try and target a guy like Patrik Laine.
Eaves contract will be off of the Ducks books after next season and Kessler’s expires after the 2021-22 season.
