"That's the plan," Kesler said. "That's why I came back when I came back."
But the Ducks must make the playoffs first. With 65 points, they're one behind the Calgary Flames for third in the Pacific Division and three behind the Minnesota Wild for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Western Conference. They've played one more game than the Flames, two more than the Wild.
Kesler's recovery probably won't be complete until he has a full offseason to rehab.
He struggled with his right hip last season even though he played 82 games, was runner-up for the Selke and had 58 points (22 goals, 36 assists). He had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 17 playoff games.
After what he called an "extensive cleanup" surgery, he went to the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on crutches. He couldn't train during the summer, skate during training camp or play for the first three months of the season, then hopped into games.
"He went through a very tough rehabilitation process, and then you've got guys in midseason shape flying around, and he's got to try to catch up," defenseman Kevin Bieksa said. "He's got to stay patient."
Patience doesn't come easy to Kesler, though.
"Obviously sitting out is the worst thing as a player," Kesler said. "You realize how much you love the game when you have to sit out and you're not allowed to do what you love. I just want to help this team win.
"Sitting on the sidelines and seeing your teammates battle every night and not being out there, it's tough, and I pushed hard to get back to where I am. Not by any means am I saying I'm not ready to play. I am ready to play. That's why I'm out there. It's taxing on the body."
Kesler is reluctant to talk much about what it takes for him to play. But prod him and he'll share just enough that you get the idea.