The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Andreas Lilja to a one-year contract, the club announced today. Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reported that the deal is a one-way contract worth $600,000.

Lilja, 35, was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2000, and played the last five years with the Detroit Red Wings. He spent this preseason with the San Jose Sharks on a pro tryout, but was ultimately released.

Arthur from Anaheim Calling wrote that the signing of Lilja was a much-needed move:

Anaheim was rumored to be interested in several defensemen over the offseason but admitted they were unable to get anything done before they signed rearguard Paul Mara.  However, subsequent injuries to Top 4 defensemen Toni Lydman and Andy Sutton have put Anaheim in need of immediate defensive help.