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Ducks’ Kesler ‘unlikely’ to play next season after hip surgery

kesler

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 21: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks before a faceoff against the Buffalo Sabres at Honda Center on October 21, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler underwent right hip resurfacing surgery last week, putting his 2019-2020 NHL season in doubt.

According to the Ducks, the 34-year-old could resume his playing career “following a lengthy recovery” and that the procedure is a “bone-preserving hip replacement that can provide pain relief and increase function in normal activities of daily living.”

“At this point in my career, this surgery was the best option for my quality of life,” said Kesler in a statement. “The pain I was suffering has been greatly reduced since the procedure, and I’m grateful for that. While my playing future is unknown, I’m in a good place. I want to thank all the doctors and trainers as part of ‘Team Kesler,’ my teammates, my agent Kurt Overhardt, the Ducks organization, the fans, and most importantly, my family, for their support. I’m extremely appreciative of everyone that has helped me through the process. I look forward to spending more time with my family and doing everyday activities without pain.”

“As we all know, Ryan has been fiercely battling his condition for quite some time,” said Ducks general manager Bob Murray. “I’ve been extremely impressed by his determination to play despite being significantly injured. At this point, Ryan needs to think about his life and family. The pain he felt was significant and we agree with his decision to have this surgery. While it’s unlikely he will play in 2019-20, we will support any decision he makes about his future playing career. He deserves the utmost respect, which he will receive from the entire Ducks organization as he contemplates his future.”

Kesler’s contract runs through the 2021-22 NHL season and carries a $6.875M cap hit, per Cap Friendly.

Over the last two seasons, Kesler has played through injury and suited up for only 104 games with the Ducks, scoring 13 goals and recording 22 points over that span. He missed the final 15 games of this season as the pain in his hip got worse. During the team’s locker clean out day last month, he said the hip pain made even the simplest things, like putting socks on, difficult.

“I was in a good spot, and it’s just the grind of the season,” said Kesler. “The back-to-back games, and the four games in six nights. That’s what broke me down and broke my hip down over the course of the year.”

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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.