The Anaheim Ducks have signed veteran forward Alex Killorn to a four-year deal that sources told ESPN's Kristen Shilton is worth about $25 million.
A dependable left wing and a force in front of the net during the Tampa Bay Lightning's Stanley Cup runs, Killorn continues to produce well into his 30s. The 2007 third-round pick will be 34 when next season begins but is coming off a 27-goal campaign.
The 6-foot-1, 194-pound forward possesses the rare mix of goal-scoring ability and grit in the opponent's zone that often helps teams win games in the Eastern Conference. Last season, as Tampa Bay marched back into the postseason, he finished with 64 points and was a plus-18.
When the Lightning lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 1, Killorn's seven-year contract, with a $4.45 million salary cap hit, also came to an end. He had a no-trade clause with the Lightning, and has been a key part of the franchise's history, but cap dynamics figured to come into play this summer when assessing whether Killorn would look elsewhere.
The Killorn news comes after the Ducks agreed on a three-year deal with defenseman Radko Gudas worth $4 million per season. The veteran blueliner spent his past three seasons with the Florida Panthers. He'll add physicality and a booming shot to the Ducks' back end and likely will act as a mentor to their up-and-coming young players.
Gudas is 33, so the length of his contract could become an issue for Anaheim, given the punishing nature of his play. But at least initially he'll bring some key elements the rebuilding Ducks need to take more steps in the right direction toward eventually becoming Western Conference contenders.
One of the primary sources of grit and muscle on the back line during Florida's postseason run, Gudas made the most of his summer stage, as the Panthers stamped their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
A well-traveled defenseman who has never been known for his offense, Gudas finished the regular season with two goals and 17 points and managed to average 17:21 time on the ice in coach Paul Maurice's fast-paced system. Gudas played in 72 games during the regular season, and on a frenetic team that often allowed as many chances as it created. He finished plus-14 for the year.