Anaheim Ducks: Adam Henrique extension is good for him, not for others

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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 29: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks reacts after being hit with a high stick during the third period of a game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center on December 29, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Ryan Kesler’s Health and Role Next Season

While Henrique’s extension is a strong indication that he will have a larger role in the Anaheim Ducks’ plans, it also could mean a reduced role for the ailing Kesler. Kesler has not been healthy for a couple of seasons now and it seems to be catching up with him. He has not been the same Ryan Kesler we saw when he first arrived in Anaheim back in 2014.

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Kesler’s offseason hip surgery last year was much needed, but he only played in 44 games last season and notched 14 points (six goals, eight assists). His struggle through last season was well-documented as he did not look 100%. To ease the recovery and make it feasible for him to play, Kesler often skipped practices and required frequent injections.

Kesler’s health has also been a big question mark this offseason and its really uncertain whether he will play at all this season. His hips still seem to be bothering him, but according to Murray, he is good to go. It’s fair to speculate that even if he does play how effective will he be on the ice.

That’s where Henrique will factor in. Henrique is nearly six years younger than Kesler and faster at this stage in his career. Henrique is also probably entering his prime years at age 28 while Kesler is toward the end of those prime years at 33. In short, Henrique may arguably be a younger, more effective option at the center position that Kesler is right now.

But probably the most critical factor here is Henrique is healthy while Kesler is not.

It’s not that Ducks’ management has lost faith in the strong-willed Kesler and his defensive and offensive abilities to contribute to the overall success of the team. Kesler is still valued a lot. But it may be looking at the team three to four years down the line and see that eventually, he may need a reduced role in terms of minutes played now to remain effective in the future.

Father time, after all, is undefeated and putting lots of minutes into a physical and rough style of play can create havoc on the body.

Should Kesler play next season, I feel he will still have a lion’s share of defending against the opposing best team’s line with linemates Silfverberg and winger Andrew Cogliano. He will also probably take most of the faceoffs in the defensive zone, but I would not be surprised if we see Henrique take more draws on the end of the ice too.

I also would not be surprised if Kesler’s minutes go down a minute or two and Henrique’s go up. Based on last season, Kesler was at on the ice for 18 minutes 2 seconds, while Henrique was there for 17 minutes, 35 seconds. Maybe Kesler will spend less time on the penalty kill as those are the hardest minutes to play.

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We may not see it completely next season, but keep an eye out for Henrique to slowly transition to and eventually slide into the No.2 center role as Kesler gradually moves to a No.3 center.

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