Mighty Ducks Sign Ronnqvist

The Mighty Ducks signed center Jonas Ronnqvist to a two-year contract Friday. Ronnqvist, the Ducks’ fourth-round pick in last month’s entry draft, is expected to follow the path of defenseman Niclas Havelid, who jumped directly from the Swedish Elite League onto the Ducks’ roster.

“These guys can step right in and play,” General Manager Pierre Gauthier said. “If he’s been a successful European player and a national team player, he’s probably better than half the players in the NHL.”

Gauthier said Ronnqvist, who can play all three forward positions, and free-agent center German Titov would help the Ducks develop a “second wave of scoring” behind Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne.

Ronnqvist, 26, scored 39 points in 49 games for Lulea HF of the Swedish Elite League last season and also represented Sweden in this year’s world championships.