The Ducks’ 2022-23 season has been underwhelming thus far, and the team just took a big blow to their defensive group as the club announced on Monday that defenseman Jamie Drysdale would be out four to six months with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
The injury occurred during the Ducks’ 4-0 loss to the Golden Knights on Oct. 28. Depending on his recovery, there is a possibility that Drysdale does not suit up again for the rest of the season.
Drysdale is one of Anaheim’s promising young defensemen in their organization. The 20-year-old is in his second full season with the team. As a rookie last year, he posted four goals and 28 assists in 81 games, trailing only the Red Wings’ Moritz Seider for the rookie lead in points.
It was a slow start to the season for the No. 6 pick in the 2020 draft. Drysdale had recorded no points through eight games, adding a -3 rating and eight shots on net.
The loss doesn’t affect the Ducks’ plans too much for this season. Anaheim was not expected to be competitive and currently sit in a tie for last place in the league with a record of 2-6-1.
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The injury to Drysdale more so stings for his development purposes, as he is a player who has all the makings of a top-four offensive defenseman in the league.
How long is Jamie Drysdale out?
Drysdale could potentially miss the entirety of the season. He is expected to undergo surgery in the near future that will keep him out for four to six months.
If Drysdale was ready at the four-month mark, that would put his return around the end of February/beginning of March. However, if he is out the full six months, then it is not likely we see the young blue liner until next season.
Given the fact that the Ducks presumably are not going to be in a position to fight for a playoff spot, there is no reason to rush a return for Drysdale.
Who will replace Jamie Drysdale in the lineup?
With Drysdale sidelined for almost the entire rest of the season, it leaves an opening on the right side of the blue line.
John Klingberg and Kevin Shattenkirk already have the other two spots locked down, so the third right-side vacancy has a number of suitors. Cam Fowler has experience playing on his opposite hand, while there is also Nathan Beaulieu, Simon Benoit and Colton White that may need to switch over from the left.
