Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier to return against Kings, Troy Terry placed on IR

The Anaheim Ducks got several lineup updates on some key players ahead of Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, as forward Cutter Gauthier is returning to the lineup, Chris Kreider is a game-time decision and Troy Terry has been placed on injured reserve.

Gauthier only missed Tuesday’s 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars, as he was dealing with an illness. He has had a breakout season with the Ducks with 20 goals and 20 assists for 40 points, although he’s been a bit colder recently with only four points in his last 12 games.

Kreider is reportedly under the weather, which makes him a game-time decision for Friday’s game. He also missed four games earlier this season due to an illness.

Like Gauthier, Kreider also had a strong start to the season and has cooled down recently, rounding out to 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points in 42 games.

Terry is the biggest news, as he will now find himself on injured reserve. He has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury. He was originally expected to return to the lineup in Friday based on earlier reports, but has now on injured reserve according to the NHL’s media site.

Terry is having the most productive season in his career, as he has 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in 43 games. That currently has him on pace for 77 points, well ahead of his previous career-high of 67 set in 2021-22.

The Ducks currently sit in sixth in the Pacific Division with a 22-21-3 record, and are four points behind the San Jose Sharks for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. They’ll look to build off of their win over the Stars when they visit the Kings in Los Angeles on Friday at 7:30 p.m. PST.