17 Ryan Kesler C

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: In danger of missing entire 2018-19 campaign

Recall that Kesler underwent hip surgery to clear bone fragments last summer, and he missed the first 37 games before making his long-awaited season debut Dec. 27. The talented two-way center would end up with only 16 points in 48 games -- including four playoff appearances -- but it wasn't abundantly clear that Kesler's hip was still bothersome, as he also managed 79 hits and 44 blocked shots in that span while averaging 18:03 of ice time. According to this latest report, the Michigan native will undergo "aggressive rehab and treatment" in an effort to improve his condition and is not currently contemplating retirement.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Sets up Cogliano goal

Kesler never got started this season, missing the first three months of the year with a hip injury and struggling to be effective when he actually was healthy. In the playoffs, it was more of the same for the veteran, as he contributed just two points during the Sharks' sweep of his Ducks. Though Kesler has the talent to produce regularly, he won't be a highly valued commodity next year as age -- he'll be 34 next season -- starts to catch up with him.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Just two points in March

Kesler has been limited to just 35 games this year, and the veteran's season debut was delayed until Dec. 27 because of a hip injury. Jumping in midseason can be tough, and age might finally be catching up to the 33-year-old veteran. Additionally, he continues to primarily play a shut-down role with 61.2 percent of his five-on-five shift beginning in the defensive zone while also receiving 2:17 of shorthanded ice time per game. It's all added up to Kesler in line to post his worst offensive showing since the 2006-07 campaign.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: In lineup Monday

Kesler will only miss one game with his malady, and as Anaheim prepares for a playoff push, they'll get their two-way center back in a Pacific Division showdown. Kesler should regain his spot on the second line and second power-play unit, and will look to build upon the eight points (six goals, two assists) he's recorded in 22 games in 2017-18.

Ducks' Ryan Kesler: Game-time decision Monday

Kesler missed Saturday's game with this injury and he has reportedly been battling this issue for a little while. This comes after he missed the bulk of the season with injury to begin with. Considering that the Michigan native is a game-time decision, and considering how great the Golden Knights have been at home, you may want to make alternative plans for your fantasy lineup regardless. As the Ducks, if Kesler can't go Derek Grant will likely be his replacement.