Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler are expected to return to the Ducks in mid-December
The Ducks added some much-needed offensive help with the acquisition of Adam Henrique on Thursday, but even more firepower is on the way.
General manager Bob Murray said Thursday that top centers Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler should return in time for the team’s next trip.
Top scorer Rickard Rakell has been sidelined for the last three games with an upper-body injury, and the team is hopeful he’ll return for Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Ducks are in the midst of a six-game road swing and return to Anaheim for a game against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.
They’ll be back on the road the following week, starting with a Dec. 14 contest against the St. Louis Blues, when Getzlaf and Kesler could be in the lineup.
Getzlaf hasn’t played since he suffered a fractured cheekbone after a puck struck him in the face Oct. 29. The captain has seven points in six games this season (one goal). He also missed games with a lower-body injury suffered during the preseason.
Kesler has yet to suit up this season. The former Selke Trophy winner underwent offseason hip surgery and needed to learn how to stride again.
Longtime minor leaguers Derek Grant and Chris Wagner have filled their spots as the team’s top two centers.
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