Off-Season Pickups Are Work in Progress

Getting bang for their buck from the players signed this summer hasn’t quite worked out for the Mighty Ducks.

On one hand, they signed tough right winger Jim Cummins, who came at the bargain-basement rate of $500,000. He has hit and slugged, as expected, and contributed three goals; he had four goals the last three seasons combined.

Then there’s center German Titov, a consistent point producer who looked appealing even for $4.6 million over the next three seasons.

So while Cummins has three goals, Titov has two.

They aren’t the only compare and contrast items on the Duck roster. Dan Bylsma, who signed for $400,000, has been a solid grind-line winger and a fierce competitor on the penalty-killing unit. Defenseman Patrick Traverse, acquired in a trade with Calgary, has struggled.

And left wing Andrei Nazarov, acquired in a trade with Calgary, remains an enigma.

“The guys we brought in haven’t all played their best,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “When you bring in new players, there is an adjustment period. Not just for the new players, but the team.”

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Defensemen Ruslan Salei (bruised foot) and Pavel Trnka (sprained ankle) practiced Tuesday but won’t play tonight.

TONIGHT

vs. Vancouver, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 6-5-3-2; Canucks 7-3-3-1.

* Record vs. Canucks (1999-2000)--2-0-2.

* Update--The matchup between the Ducks’ Paul Kariya and his younger brother Steve, a left wing for the Canucks, was the center of attention, especially in their hometown of Vancouver last season. This season’s first meeting approaches with little mention of them. Steve Kariya has no goals in 10 games.

* Tickets--(714) 703-2545.