Three Signings Help Ducks Add Some Extra Muscle

The Mighty Ducks got a lot rougher Thursday by signing three players they expect to provide additional muscle--right wing Dan Bylsma, left wing Kevin Sawyer and defenseman Dean Malkoc.

Bylsma is the most experienced of the three, having played 65 games with the Kings last season. He signed a one-year deal worth about $400,000. The team also has an option for a second year.

Sawyer, who signed a two-year contract, spent nearly all of last season with Springfield in the American Hockey League. He also played in three games with the Phoenix Coyotes. Malkoc, who was a Duck restricted free agent, signed a one-year deal. He played all of 1999 with Chicago in the International Hockey League.

All three have one thing in common: size.

Bylsma is 6 feet 2, 210 pounds; Sawyer is 6-2, 205, and Malkoc is 6-3, 215. The Ducks were looking for more physical players up front.

“We got a lot bigger today,” General Manager Pierre Gauthier said. “This improves our depth in an area where we felt we needed improvement. It’s the time of the year where you start looking at your depth. You need a lot of people to get through an 82-game season.”

Bylsma, who turns 30 in September, had three goals and nine points last season. He had only 33 penalty minutes but is known as a physical player.

“He brings size and work ethic,” Gauthier said. “We have a lot of skill on this club, but you need other things than skill. He has proved he can play in this league, play a role and play it well.”

Bylsma played 79 games with the Kings in 1996-97 and 65 games in 1997-98. He scored three goals each season.

“I don’t know where I fit in,” Bylsma said. “I have always taken the approach that it is my responsibility to earn a spot.

“Without question, this is a chance to play with two of the finest players in the game. I’ve played against [Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya] and I know how exciting they can be. I think I can fit in with the Ducks.”

Bylsma should, in a specific role, as the Ducks have tried to beef up during the off-season. Two weeks ago, they signed Jim Cummins, who will fill Stu Grimson’s enforcer role.

Sawyer, 26, could also help in that area. He had 321 penalty minutes in 56 games with Springfield last season.