SI details Ryan Keslers hip ailment

[duckpuck]

It really does sound like Kesler has been and still is dictating the situation no matter how much below the par his performance has been based on the comments in the OCR. Perhaps Carlyle gave him even more rope than Murray as his TOI was much bigger during his tenure as the HC. Anyhow, congratulations on hitting 1 000 games, it's not like not having him play would be the difference in this team being a contender this season or not.

Kesler has a lot of say in it, but if there's a disagreement, the ducks have an option of failing his physical. The NHL has a process in place for that which is supposed to avoid abuse (Robidas and Lupul island). But in this case it seems pretty clear Kesler has a chronic problem that will not improve and limits his play. I think the ducks would ultimately win if they go this route. Hopefully it doesn't come to that and Kesler goes on LTIR or the teams reach a different mutually agreement.

One additional fact - I believe teams cannot buyout injured players. So there is a game of chicken at play. If Kesler insists he's healthy, the ducks can buy him out and save real dollars that Kesler will not be able to get in a new contract. On the other hand, if Kesler claims to be injured, the ducks can't buy him out and Kesler comes out ahead financially.

 

[Beretta 390]

He's big time hurt the team while trying to be Superman.

 

[Pennaduck]

Pretty crazy that Kesler did not even get nominated for an award that signifies perseverance and dedication to hockey

 

[dracom]

why was Thornton even nominated? because he's old?

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

I think the Ducks nominate Eaves.

 

[Static]

Foligno, f*** off.

 

[Not So Mighty]

Pretty crazy that Kesler did not even get nominated for an award that signifies perseverance and dedication to hockey

Between him and Eaves? Anaheim had to give it to Eaves.

 

[AngelDuck]

why was Thornton even nominated? because he's old?

He's battled back from countless injuries, including an MCL/ACL tear.

Honestly, it's amazing he still plays (and is decent)

 

[Anaheim4ever]

why was Thornton even nominated? because he's old?

Anyone who's 101 & still skates on the ice even with a cane will get nominated.
I swear Thornton looks 20 years older than his listed age.

 

[jiggsawpuzzle35]

Anyone who's 101 & still skates on the ice even with a cane will get nominated.
I swear Thornton looks 20 years older than his listed age.

I walked passed Thornton last night at the Bellagio. Still looks like an NHLer to me. Walked ahead of the rest of the players.

 

[TheStuntman]

Kesler is likely out for the upcoming season due to hip resurfacing surgery.

 

[Sticky2]

He can’t play, time to retire. Does his salary come off the books?

Don’t tell me he is going to sit around for a year taking up money only to retire after next season...

 

[TheStuntman]

He can’t play, time to retire. Does his salary come off the books?

Don’t tell me he is going to sit around for a year taking up money only to retire after next season...

He'll be on LTIR, so his salary won't count against the cap.

 

[The Mighty Duck Man]

He can’t play, time to retire. Does his salary come off the books?

Don’t tell me he is going to sit around for a year taking up money only to retire after next season...

If he actually retired he would be doing the team a favor and his family a disservice. He'll collect its money but it's likely insured to some extent and there won't be much for cap implications.

 

[terranraida]

LTIRetirement

 

[StreetHawk]

If he actually retired he would be doing the team a favor and his family a disservice. He'll collect its money but it's likely insured to some extent and there won't be much for cap implications.

Well there is a reason why teams like Chicago move the Hossa contract despite the ltir. Depends on how the ducks manage the cap.

In real dollars it likely costs them 20% of the contract while insurance covers 80% which seems to be the standard rate. So it’s under $1.4 million in cash for the ducks.

 

[The Mighty Duck Man]

Well there is a reason why teams like Chicago move the Hossa contract despite the ltir. Depends on how the ducks manage the cap.

In real dollars it likely costs them 20% of the contract while insurance covers 80% which seems to be the standard rate. So it’s under $1.4 million in cash for the ducks.

Blackhawks moved Hossa because LTIR isn't exactly as simple as being allowed to go over the cap that much and getting that number off the books allows for a lot more flexibility. For the Ducks there probably isn't much in the way of cap considerations, especially for this year, as they almost certainly won't spend to the cap so they'll have all the flexibility they need.

 

[snarktacular]

As the Ducks are generally a budget team and not a cap team, LTIR doesn't help them so much. But it depends on if the management is allowed to overspend or not.

They have been allowed to over spend because of unusual circumstances before (Niedermayer/Selanne).

 

[Duck Off]

As the Ducks are generally a budget team and not a cap team, LTIR doesn't help them so much. But it depends on if the management is allowed to overspend or not.

They have been allowed to over spend because of unusual circumstances before (Niedermayer/Selanne).

Stephens posted that 80% of Kesler’s contract would be covered by insurance if he ltir-retired. What’s unknown is if it works that way if he only misses one season. If it does, it does help us quite a bit.