17 Ryan Kesler C

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: No timetable for return

Without Kesler, the Ducks' depth down the middle of the lineup will be strained as Antoine Vermette figures to slot into a second-line role. The 33-year-old Kesler is coming off back-to-back 50-plus point campaigns, but it seems impossible that he'll make it three straight at that level given the length of his expected absence.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Recovery could take longer than expected

The veteran center underwent surgery earlier this month for an issue with bone fragments in his hip that hindered him for the entirety of the season. "Toward the end of the year, I couldn't get through a game without getting pain shots," Kesler said. "Everybody plays banged up. I couldn't continue going on like that." He will reportedly only be able to resume skating in 12 weeks, which is right around the start of training camp in September, while Kesler's updated return timetable has him slated for game action in October or November.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Undergoes hip surgery, 12-week recovery expected

The 2011 Selke Trophy winner played in 99 games -- including each playoff contest -- this past season. He averaged a whopping 22:26 of ice time in the conference finals versus the Predators, but struggled mightily with a lone assist and a minus-6 rating standing as his series output. Kesler should be ready to ramp up his activity in September.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Nets first goal of playoffs Sunday

Kesler has come to play in the second round, recording points in three straight games to open the series. His goal Sunday came after he went to the front of the net and pounced on a rebound in front. He hasn't been shooting much this postseason, but Kesler is rolling right now and should get a boost from this first goal. The Ducks will need Kesler at his best if they hope to come back and win this series.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Notches two helpers in Game 1 loss

The veteran pivot spent 10:58 of his 21:09 of ice time matched up against Connor McDavid in Game 1, and Kesler limited McDavid to a single power-play assist. Kesler will need to continue playing a 200-foot game for the Ducks to succeed. He had just a single assist through four games in Round 1, so his multi-assist showing Wednesday was a welcome offensive boost.