The Ducks made a big splash (ha ha, get it?) in free agency on Sunday afternoon, signing veteran defenseman Bryan Allen to a three-year deal worth $10.5 million each season. Allen spent all of 2011 with the Carolina Hurricanes after being dealt by the Panthers at the 2010 trade deadline. He has battled knee problems in the past, although his last surgery was during the 2008-09 season.
Allen is a big boy at 6'5 and 225lbs, and he was one of the bigger names on the free agent market. The contract appears to be pretty fair for both sides, although a couple of analysts felt Anaheim got a good deal out of this.
He played all 82 games last season, averaging 19 minutes per game. He scored just one goal and dished out 13 assists, good for 14 points for the year. He'll do a nice job providing size and strength to the Ducks blueline for years to come.
Anaheim still has some money to spend this summer, and they'll continue to look at any and all options on the free agent market.
For more on the Ducks, be sure to check out Anaheim Calling.
