Ducks left wing Jiri Sekac is nearing a return from a serious ankle sprain but won't be available until at least next week.
Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau ruled out Sekac for Friday but he wasn't expected back that soon anyway. Sekac said Thursday that he is feeling better and pointed to a four-game trip that begins Dec.17.
After Friday, the Ducks have five days off.
"I really want to play on the road trip, and I think I might be ready for that," Sekac said.
Sekac and the Ducks are being cautious because it is a high ankle sprain, which was sustained Nov.