We learned yesterday that the Anaheim Ducks will be without defenseman Josh Manson for around six weeks. Manson is dealing with an oblique muscle injury, which he suffered during Monday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
INJURY UPDATE: Defenseman Josh Manson will be out approximately six weeks with an oblique muscle injury, suffered Monday vs. Minnesota. He has been placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/KaLdDoDPiW
Losing Manson is certainly a hit to Anaheim’s defense group. Jani Hakanpaa will likely continue to have a larger role as a result but we should also see several other defenders get a chance through the stretch of time Manson is out.
Kodie Curran was sent down to San Diego (AHL) but Andy Welinski already got into the lineup and will likely play more games as well, while Ben Hutton should get a good opportunity and even Josh Mahura could get a chance. While Manson is a key part of the group, the Ducks do have some options.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Do you feel comfortable with Jani Hakanpaa taking a larger role over the next few weeks?