Anaheim Ducks: Top 5 Free Agency Signings of All Time

Anaheim Ducks: Top 5 All-Time Free Agent Signings

DALLAS - APRIL 15: (L-R) Chris Kunitz #14, Scott Niedermayer #27 and Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal in front of Marty Turco #35 of the Dallas Stars during game three of the 2008 NHL Western Conference Quarterfinals on April 15, 2008 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 24: Chris Kunitz #14 of the Anaheim Ducks moves the puck during the game against the Buffalo Sabres. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

3. Chris Kunitz

It’s weird to think of Chris Kunitz as anything other than a Pittsburgh Penguin. He’s one of five players that’s been a part of all three Cups in the salary cap era with the Penguins. So everybody would think of him as a Penguins legend.

But he was originally signed as an undrafted, college free agent by the Anaheim Ducks. Before he was a Pittsburgh Penguin, Kunitz was winning a Cup with the Ducks – the next three free agent signings are the ones that helped lead to that Cup I mentioned.

Kunitz – and the honorable mention and fellow college free agent Dustin Penner – were a big part of the young core. He was signed before the lockout in 04-05, and played 21 games in the NHL his first season. Kunitz had 6 points, all assists.

After the lockout, Kunitz signed by the Atlanta Thrashers. He was claimed off waivers by the Ducks after 2 games. In 67 games after being picked back up, Kunitz had 19 goals and 41 points.

Kunitz scored 60 in the regular season the year the Ducks won the Cup before adding 6 points in 13 games in the playoffs.

Kunitz stayed with the Anaheim Ducks until he was traded at the deadline in 08/09. That was the first year the Penguins won the Stanley Cup, and Kunitz was on Crosby’s wing. He played 16 minutes a game, tallying 14 points and 80 hits.

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