The Anaheim Ducks will be without two veterans forwards this upcoming season.
The club announced on Friday that both Patrick Eaves and Ryan Kesler have been placed on injured reserve and will miss the entire 2019-20 campaign.
Both players have dealt with serious health and injury issues over the past few years.
Eaves, 35, has skated in just 29 games for the Ducks over the past three seasons, having dealt with various injuries and health issues. The winger was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. He’s under contract for one more season.
Kesler, also 35, underwent right hip resurfacing surgery back in May. At the time of the procedure — his second hip surgery, having also undergone a procedure in 2017 — it was expected that the winger would be sidelined for the upcoming season while recovering.
“At this point in my career, this surgery was the best option for my quality of life,” Kesler said in a statement at the time of the surgery. “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.”
Kesler tallied five goals and eight points in 60 games with the Ducks last season, his fifth in Anaheim. He is under contract with the Ducks for three more seasons.
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