Ducks' Kesler cleared for contact

Although Ryan Kesler has been limited to skating sessions at Anaheim Ducks training camp due to injury concerns, the forward received medical clearance to participate in contact drills Sunday.

"These are tests," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle told The Athletic's Eric Stephens. "That's all it is. It's a test. For any injured player coming back, it's an encouraging sign that he joined our group for practice. It's encouraging that he was able to battle in some battle drills and feel good after it.

"But it's still a test. Every day, he's going to be tested along the lines of is he able to compete? Is he being able to play pain-free? Is he able to have his strength and feel strong when he leaves the rink? That he's not jeopardizing himself."

Kesler underwent hip surgery last June and didn't return to the lineup until late December. He appeared in 44 games last season, tallying eight goals and six assists while playing through plenty of discomfort.

While there's no timetable for Kesler's return to the Ducks' lineup, Monday's update is seen as a breakthrough for the veteran forward. The possibility existed he could once again be sidelined long term in 2018-19.

The 34-year-old is under contract for the next four seasons.