Ducks Sign Defenseman McCarthy to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks added some depth to their blueline last weekend by signing defenseman Steve McCarthy to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. McCarthy appeared in 18 games last season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), scoring no points. He last played in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2007-08 season. In 302 career NHL games with the Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vancouver Canucks, he has 17 goals and 38 assists for 55 points and 168 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Ducks, as McCarthy has plenty of offensive skill on the blueline and is a decent passer. He could play on the third defensive pairing next season, but could also be a seventh defenseman depending on how he and other defensive prospects perform for the Ducks at training camp in September.