Since the Anaheim Ducks acquired him in 2014, Ryan Kesler has been a fan favorite. The feisty 34-year-old shutdown center is often one of the most dedicated players on the ice. However, it is no secret that, as of late, he has received a lot of criticism for his recent regression.
His hip, which required surgery prior to the 2017-18 season, has seemed to be Kesler’s undoing. Last season, he essentially played on one hip, limping his way through the Anaheim Ducks “push to the playoffs.” There was quite a bit of speculation about whether he would even return for the 2018-19 season.