Ducks send D Manson to minors with Vatanen nearing return

By foxsports
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The Anaheim Ducks have reassigned defenseman Josh Manson to the minors with Matt Beleskey and Sami Vatanen nearing return from injury.

The Ducks announced the move Thursday.

Manson has three assists in 28 games with Anaheim during his rookie NHL season. He also has played 23 games for the Ducks' AHL affiliate in Norfolk.

Beleskey could return Friday at Minnesota, coach Bruce Boudreau says. The forward scored 21 goals before missing 12 games with a shoulder injury.

Vatanen isn't quite ready to return from a 12-game absence with a lower-body injury. The Finnish defenseman is still the Ducks' fourth-leading scorer with 34 points.

Anaheim is in a four-way tie for the overall NHL points lead, but has lost three straight heading into Minnesota to complete its three-game trip.