Ducks Sign Defenseman Andreas Lilja to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have have signed defenseman Andreas Lilja to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He is not expected to play with the team right away while he works out some visa issues. Lilja had attended the San Jose Sharks' training camp on a tryout basis, but failed to make the team. In 20 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings, he had one goal and one assist. He also appeared in four games with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL on a conditioning stint after missing 55 NHL games with a concussion. Not a bad depth signing for the Ducks, as Lilja plays with lots of grit and toughness, has some stay-at-home defenseman qualities, and is good on the penalty kill despite having a tendency to make defensive zone blunders. He brings some much needed depth to Anaheim's blueline, which is currently without Toni Lydman and Andy Sutton because of injuries. Lilja should help stabilize the backend a little bit until the injured defensemen return.