Ducks sign Paul Mara, but defenseman Toni Lydman unable to start camp

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The Ducks came to an agreement with free-agent defenseman Paul Mara on a one-year, one-way deal that will pay him $750,000, but their defense corps took a hit when it became clear that Toni Lydman--signed as a free agent earlier this summer--won’t be able to participate in the start of training camp because he’s suffering from double vision.

A club spokesman said Lydman’s symptoms are not as acute as they were last week and that he has gone through a battery of tests without a serious problem being identified.

However, he’s still having some difficulty with his vision and won’t be allowed to train or skate until doctors can diagnose and treat the problem.

‘Our top priority is Toni’s health,’ Ducks General Manager Bob Murray said in a statement. ‘Toni is feeling much better this week and we are encouraged by the results of his recent tests. However, we will proceed with caution until we can identify the source of the problem.’

The Ducks had been looking at Mara before the extent of Lydman’s problem became apparent but he’s now likely to have a greater role until Lydman recovers.

Murray is scheduled to talk to reporters a little later and we’ll update things then.

Helene Elliott