McDonald Signs $10-Million Deal

The Ducks’ Andy McDonald parlayed a breakout season into a rich contract Wednesday, signing a three-year, $10-million extension.

McDonald, 28, easily surpassed his previous career-high statistics -- getting 34 goals and a team-high 51 assists -- after taking over the No. 1 center position in November. In 2002-03, he had 10 goals and in the following season, 21 assists and 30 points.

“I’m extremely happy that the team has given me a long-term deal,” McDonald said. “That’s what I wanted. It shows their commitment to me.”

General Manager Brian Burke said he didn’t plan on spending as much to re-sign McDonald but was intent on locking up a core player. A restricted free agent, McDonald made $627,000 last season and would have gained unrestricted status at the end of next season.

“If you had asked me a month ago, I wouldn’t have paid that much,” Burke said. “It would be a different number, but my instructions from ownership are quite clear. They want to pay what’s fair.

“I think Andy McDonald had an exceptional year, and I see no reason for him not to compete at that level.”

McDonald, at 5 feet 11 and 186 pounds, had been considered by some to be too small to withstand the wear and tear of being the first-line center. But he struggled somewhat in the Stanley Cup playoffs, getting two goals and seven assists in 16 games.

On Wednesday, McDonald acknowledged that he had a bone bruise in his right hand during the playoffs, an injury he suffered against Colorado. He said it still bothers him, but he doesn’t think he will need surgery.

“All I’ll say is it really affected me,” he said. “Saying that, there’s a lot of guys that had injuries.”

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Defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski and left wing Chris Kunitz, two of the team’s three remaining restricted free agents, elected for salary arbitration. Vishnevski made $1.14 million last season, and Kunitz made $461,900.

Burke said he doesn’t foresee a problem signing both, though he also doesn’t mind having an arbitrator determine their worth.

Teams can file for salary arbitration by today and cases will be heard beginning July 20.

The Ducks will hold a conditioning camp for their top prospects from today through Wednesday at Anaheim Ice.