Ducks open preseason tonight with Dany Heatley on first line

The Ducks open their preseason Monday night with split-squad games against the Colorado
Avalanche at Honda Center (7 p.m.) and in Denver’s Pepsi Center (6 p.m.)

The Anaheim game will include a revised first line of Corey Perry, center Ryan Getzlaf and
Dany Heatley, a veteran former 50-goal scorer signed to a one-year, $1-million deal after playing in Minnesota last season.

After being a healthy scratch for the first time in his career last April, Heatley, 33, understands a possible season of revival begins with this assignment.

“They’re two of the best in the league,” Heatley said. “It has worked in the past [in international competition]. We think alike, two easy players to play with. I’m just trying to help them out.

“It starts with Getzlaf. So solid both ends of the ice. Can create down low, can create off the rush. Perry’s the same, makes something out of nothing. I’ve had a good summer. I’m excited. This is a great opportunity.”

After veteran Dustin Penner struggled to succeed with a similar chance last year, several players were shifted in alongside Getzlaf and Perry.

“It would be really good for us if [Heatley] has staying power,” Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said. “I certainly would like to get Perry and Getzlaf a permanent winger for once. Dany’s worked hard, let’s hope it correlates to success on the ice.

“He’s a shooter. Ryan is one of the best passers in the league, can distribute to the left side or right side, so you’ve got two real shooters.”

At Monday morning’s skate in the Honda Center, goalie Frederik Andersen left the ice first,
indicating he’ll start. Goalie John Gibson, expected to share playing time this season with his fellow second-year player, will also be in Anaheim tonight.

The other Honda Center morning lines were Tim Jackman, off-season acquisition Nate Thompson at center and Irvine’s Nick Kerdiles, and Emerson Etem, Rickard Rakell and first-round draft pick (10^th overall) Nick Ritchie.

Anaheim’s top off-season acquisition, center Ryan Kesler, is scheduled to play in Colorado on Monday night.

Defensemen Cam Fowler and Ben Lovejoy and Hampus Lindholm and Francois Beauchemin are also expected to play at Honda Center.

TELEVISION UPDATE: The Ducks still haven’t struck a local television deal for the coming season, but are in negotiations with Fox to again have games televised on Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket, according to a team executive.

The season opener, Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh, will be televised by NBC Sports Network.