:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1203007/GYI0061771016.jpg)
THE TELETYPE:
Swedish site HockeyExpressen.SE reported today that defenseman Andreas Lilja signed a contract with the Anaheim Ducks pending paperwork related to his work permit and visa. A Google Translate translation of the article interprets quotes from the 35 year-old as saying he will join Anaheim in St. Louis tonight to practice and train with the team, but it will be another few days before he sees a game with the Ducks. UPDATE: The OC Register confirmed this deal as officially done on Sunday evening.
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. Lilja, meanwhile declined a contract renewal with Detroit after five seasons with the club and spent the preseason with the San Jose Sharks on a pro tryout contract from which he was ultimately released.