Anaheim Ducks sign Paul Mara, but lose Toni Lydman to double vision
Free-agent defenceman Paul Mara has been signed to a contract by the Anaheim Ducks. Mara, who played with the Montreal Canadiens last season, was signed to a one-year, $750,000 contract.
Mara’s presence will bolster the Ducks’ blue line during the 2010-11 season, but team will be without the services of another of their newly-signed defenders for a while.
Toni Lydman, who was signed to a three-year contract by the Ducks on 1 July, has been diagnosed with double vision. While eating lunch last week, Lydman suddenly became ill, and contacted
new teammate Teemu Selanne. Selanne, in turn, notified the Ducks’ medical staff about Lydman’s situation.
Lydman has since undergone several tests to determine the nature of the problem. He has been known to suffer from migraines on occasion, but the doctors determined that these are not connected
with the double vision.
“Ever since that day, he's been having tests,” said Ducks general manager Bob Murray. “Everything that's been coming back, he hasn't had what they're testing for.”
Mara, 31, played 48 games for Montreal last season, but missed most of the season with a shoulder injury he suffered in January. He is optimistic about playing for Anaheim, as believes
he can help them win another Stanley Cup championship.
“I just want to bring a veteran defensive presence to this team, and eventually help this team win a Stanley Cup,” Mara said. “It offered the best place for me as a hockey player and the
best chance to win. It seemed like a great fit and a great place to be.”
Murray added that Mara was not signed as a result of the injuries sustained by Lydman. He revealed that talks between the team and Mara’s agent had been ongoing, but nothing was finalized
until tests on Mara’s surgically repaired shoulder were completed.
“I don't think it was more urgent,” Murray said of the situation. “Nothing like that happened the last couple of weeks. (Mara) had his shoulder tested, and it went really well. I said,
'Let's get this done and move forward.’”
The Ducks are set to start their training camp on Saturday morning, and will take to the ice for a pre-season game on Tuesday 21 September.
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