Kesler makes season debut after missing time with sore hip

The Anaheim Ducks got a big boost on Wednesday night when Ryan Kesler was cleared to play against the Arizona Coyotes.

Kesler missed the Ducks' first three regular-season games while dealing with his bothersome hip, which required surgery in June 2017.

He was cleared for contact in September but didn't receive medical clearance to play in a game until Wednesday.

The 34-year-old missed essentially the first half of the 2017-18 season with the injury, returning in late December and producing 14 points in 44 contests before suiting up in all four of Anaheim's playoff games.