from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

Ryan Kesler’s $6.875 million annual payday expires in 2022, when the Anaheim center will be 37 years old. By then, Kesler’s contract will not be kind to the Ducks because of his age, rambunctious play, and eventual thinning of his game. But for now, the Ducks are getting the most out of Kesler’s performance as No. 2 center behind Ryan Getzlaf.

The 31-year-old Kesler is skating as well as he did in Vancouver, which makes him a handful for opponents because of his abrasive style of play. Kesler had 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points through 72 games, third most on the team after Getzlaf and Corey Perry. But his value is more about presence than points. Not many players enjoy taking shifts against a healthy Kesler.

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