Ducks Beef Up Offense With Signing of Titov

The Mighty Ducks wasted little time in dipping into the free-agent pool, as they signed center German Titov Saturday, the first day teams were allowed to contact free agents.

Titov, who played with Pittsburgh and Edmonton last season, signed a three-year contract worth about $4.5 million. He made $1.2 million last season.

“We had a short list of guys we really believed could improve our club,” Duck General Manager Pierre Gauthier said. “I knew I had to be aggressive right off the bat because there are not that many players out there who can make a significant impact. I didn’t want to beat around the bush.”

Gauthier has made improving the Ducks’ offense a priority to take pressure off Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne. Titov, 35, probably will play on the Ducks’ second line.

Titov spent five seasons with Calgary before being traded to Pittsburgh in 1998. His best season was 1995-96, when he had 28 goals and 67 points.

“He is a a big, skilled guy, a proven 50-point player,” Gauthier said.

Gauthier said he has contacted other free agents but is not interested in restricted free agent Eric Lindros.

The Ducks have lost center Jorgen Jonsson, who signed with Farjestad, a club team in Sweden. The Ducks acquired Jonsson from the New York Islanders last March. He had one goal and three points in 13 games.