Anaheim Ducks Sign Winger Jeff Malott to Three-Year Contract

The Anaheim Ducks have signed winger Jeff Malott to a three-year contract worth $1.85 million per season.

What does this signing mean for the Ducks?

The signing of Jeff Malott adds a physical presence to the Ducks' lineup, something they needed after trading former captain Radko Gudas to the Florida Panthers.

Jeff Malott, brother of UFC welterweight fighter Mike Malott, played 58 games last season, scoring 3 goals and 9 points, and had 55 penalty minutes, including three fights.

How does this impact the team's lineup?

With Malott on board, the Ducks have a big, strong winger who can play a physical game and drop the gloves when needed, providing protection for their young and talented stars.

The Ducks were busy on the first day of NHL free agency, also signing forward AJ Greer to a four-year contract and defenseman Nick Jensen to a two-year contract.

What's next for the Ducks?

As of now, the Anaheim Ducks are 7th in the Western Conference with a 43-33 record, on a W1 streak, and with plenty of cap space, they could still make some more moves this offseason.

The Pacific Division is a tough one, with top contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers, but Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek has done a nice job of adding depth to the team's roster.

The Ducks could make some more moves around the edges, as they look to take an even bigger step forward next year and make a deeper run in the playoffs.

And with a strong lineup and a busy general manager, the Ducks are one of the teams on the rise in the NHL.

But the Ducks did lose veteran defender Jacob Trouba in free agency, as he signed a big-money deal with the rival San Jose Sharks.

So the Ducks will need to continue to make moves to stay competitive in the tough Pacific Division.

The signing of Jeff Malott is a good start, and with his physical play and ability to drop the gloves, he will be a valuable addition to the Ducks' lineup.