Nazarov Joins Third Line at Practice

The Ducks sized up their new power forward Wednesday, getting their first up-close look at Andrei Nazarov, a 6-foot-5, 234-pound right winger. Nazarov joined center Matt Cullen and winger Jonas Ronnqvist on the Ducks’ third line for his first practice since he was traded Tuesday from Calgary to Anaheim.

“He skates very well,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “He can shoot the puck. It’s only one practice. He’ll need some time to adapt. He certainly looks like a guy who can help us.”

The Ducks need offensive help. Last season, their top line of Paul Kariya, Steve Rucchin and Teemu Selanne accounted for 94 of the team’s 217 goals.

Until last season Nazarov, 26, was better known for taking foolish penalties and getting suspended for rough tactics than for scoring goals. But he had a career-best 32 points and was not suspended once in 76 games for the Flames last season.

Hartsburg plans to keep Nazarov with Cullen and Ronnqvist for Friday’s exhibition against the Minnesota Wild, which was fine with Nazarov.

“I’m here to do a job,” Nazarov said. “Work hard and good things are going to happen. Everybody wants to score more ugly goals. That’s not really my style, but I’m working on it.”

In addition to recording 10 goals and 22 assists, Nazarov cut his penalty minutes to 78, well shy his career high of 222 while with San Jose in 1996-97.

The Ducks liked the idea of adding another edgy player, capable of causing trouble in the corners and in front of the opposing net. But they don’t want Nazarov spending too much time in the sin bin.

“I’m trying to avoid the stupid penalties,” said Nazarov, who has been suspended three times.

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The Ducks left seven players unprotected for Friday’s waiver draft: goalie Dominic Roussel, forwards Tony Hrkac, Kevin Sawyer and Bob Wren and defensemen Dean Malkoc, Chris O’Sullivan and Nikolai Tsulygin.