Ducks season preview: Gibson's durability important

The 2018-19 NHL season begins Oct. 3. With training camps open, NHL.com is taking a look at the five keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lines for all 31 teams. Today, the Anaheim Ducks.

Coach: Randy Carlyle (third season)
Last season: 44-25-13; second place Pacific Division, lost to San Jose Sharks in Western Conference First Round

5 KEYS

1. Kesler's health

Ryan Kesler's ability to play will affect the Ducks' depth at center. The 34-year-old has anchored Anaheim's second line but could miss time because of complications related to hip surgery he had June 8, 2017. Kesler, who missed the first 37 games last season while recovering from the surgery, was cleared for contact Sept. 24.
Even if Kesler can play, there are questions about his effectiveness. The five-time Selke Trophy finalist (he won it in 2011) had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) and was minus-4 in 44 games last season. He had two assists in Anaheim's four-game loss to the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference First Round.

2. Gibson's durability

John Gibson, 25, is among the best goaltenders in the NHL when healthy. He was 14-4-2 with an NHL-leading 1.95 goals-against average and .937 save percentage (minimum 20 games) after the All-Star break last season. Among goalies to play at least 41 games, Gibson was fourth in GAA (2.43) and save percentage (.926). He was rewarded with an eight-year contract extension Aug. 4 beginning next season and running through 2026-27.
But Gibson missed eight games last season and was unable to finish six because of injuries. That put more of a burden on 38-year-old backup Ryan Miller.
The Ducks are fortifying their depth at the position. Jared Coreau signed a one-year contract and is projected to start the season with San Diego of the American Hockey League. Anaheim has also selected three goalies (Olle Eriksson Ek, Lukas Dostal and Roman Durny) in the past two NHL drafts.

3. Getzlaf and Perry's window

Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. Each is 33 years old, and their window to win a second championship together with Anaheim is rapidly closing.
That window got even smaller after the Ducks announced Perry will miss about five months following surgery to repair injuries to the medical collateral ligament and meniscus of his right knee Sept. 26.
Even before Perry was injured during warmups against the Arizona Coyotes two days earlier, there were concerns about his declining production. His 17 goals last season were his lowest in a full NHL season since scoring 17 in 2006-07. He scored an NHL career-high 50 goals in 2010-11 and 43 in 2013-14, but that number has dropped in each subsequent season.
Getzlaf remains the projected No. 1 center. He had 61 points (11 goals, 50 assists) in 56 games last season after missing six weeks with a facial fracture sustained Oct. 29.

4. Evolution of young forwards

The good news for the Ducks is they have a strong group of young forwards led by Rickard Rakell, 25, and Ondrej Kase, 22.
There is optimism Rakell and Kase each can take the next step in his development. Rakell led Anaheim with 34 goals and 69 points last season, the first player to lead the Ducks in points other than Getzlaf, Perry or Teemu Selanne since Sergei Fedorov in 2003-04 (65). Kase's 20 goals were tied for second on Anaheim with Adam Henrique and a 15-goal increase from his rookie season of 2016-17.
Forward Sam Steel is expected to make a case to break training camp with the Ducks. The 20-year-old was a first-round pick (No. 30) in the 2016 NHL Draft and had 83 points (33 goals, 50 assists) in 54 games for Regina in the Western Hockey League last season.

5. More scoring

The Ducks need to find ways to generate more offense after finishing tied for 18th in the NHL with the Dallas Stars in scoring last season (2.82 goals per game), including 157 goals at 5-on-5 (tied for 17th with the Chicago Blackhawks) and a power play that ranked 23rd (17.8 percent). Forward Patrick Eaves returning from post-viral syndrome could provide a lift skating on the first power-play unit with Getzlaf, Rakell and Henrique.

ROSTER RUNDOWN

Making the cut

The Ducks need scoring help at left wing behind Rakell. Nick Ritchie, 22, had 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in his second full NHL season but remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. Veteran Brian Gibbons, 29, will get a long look after signing a one-year contract July 2. Several prospects including Steel, Troy Terry, 20, and Kevin Roy, 25, will also push for roster spots. Terry impressed during the Vegas Rookie Faceoff and could replace Perry on the top line.
On defense, look for Jacob Larsson, 21, and Marcus Pettersson, 22, to vie for an opening on the third pair following Francois Beauchemin's retirement.

Most intriguing addition

Veteran defensemen Andrej Sustr and Luke Schenn were signed to compete for roles alongside young players Larsson, Josh Manson and Brandon Montour. Sustr, 27, is a stay-at-home type who utilizes his 6-foot-7, 220-pound frame. Schenn, 28, could skate against more physical teams, many that play in the Pacific Division.

Biggest potential surprise

Manson's confidence continues to grow entering his fourth full NHL season. He had an NHL career-high 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 2017-18 to lead Ducks defensemen while providing a shutdown game. The 26-year-old was chosen in the sixth round (No. 159) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Ready to break through

Montour, 24, avoided arbitration by signing a two-year contract July 24 after he had 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) and was plus-16 in 80 games last season. The opportunity is there for Montour to fully blossom, become a fixture on the top four, and help on the man-advantage by improving on his 12 power-play points (five goals, seven assists) in 2017-18.

PROJECTED LINEUP

Rickard Rakell -- Ryan Getzlaf -- Troy Terry
Andrew Cogliano -- Adam Henrique -- Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie -- Sam Steel -- Ondrej Kase
Joseph Blandisi -- Carter Rowney -- Brian Gibbons
Cam Fowler -- Brandon Montour
Hampus Lindholm -- Josh Manson
Jacob Larsson -- Luke Schenn
John Gibson
Ryan Miller