Hobey Baker Finalist Kunitz Signs Deal

NASHVILLE — The Mighty Ducks signed left wing Chris Kunitz, an unrestricted free agent, to a two-year contract. Kunitz, who plays for Ferris State (Mich.), is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top collegiate player in the United States.

“The Ducks are having a great year and you want to be a part of a successful organization,” said Kunitz, who was in Anaheim for the Ducks’ game against Vancouver on Sunday. “I hope I can come to training camp and earn a job next season.”

Kunitz has 35 goals this season and is second in the nation in scoring with 79 points. He will spend a week with the Ducks during the playoffs.

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Defenseman Ruslan Salei returned to the Duck lineup against Nashville Tuesday after missing 11 games because of a bulging disk in his back. Salei played 18 minutes 42 seconds and assisted on Steve Thomas’ game-winning goal in overtime.

“I can live with the pain as it is now,” Salei said. “I just need to get back into game shape.”

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TONIGHT

at Dallas, 7:30 p.m., FSN2

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 40-26-9-5; Stars 44-17-15-4.

Record vs. Stars -- 1-2-1.

Update -- The Ducks are 11-9-3-3 against Western Conference teams that have qualified for the playoffs this season, which includes a 6-2-0-2 record since Jan. 1.