The Cincinnati Mighty Ducks signed defenseman Chris McAlpine to an American Hockey League contract for the balance of the 2004-05 season on Wednesday.
McAlpine, 33, has not played since the 2002-03 season, appearing in 21 games for the Los Angeles Kings before hernia surgery ended his season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder has recorded 15 goals and 56 assists for 71 points in 183 career AHL contests with Manchester, Norfolk, Worcester and Albany, and participated in the 1997 AHL All-Star Classic.
The Roseville, Minn., native was originally selected by New Jersey in the seventh round (137th overall) of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He has recorded six goals and 24 assists with 245 penalty minutes in 289 career NHL games with New Jersey, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.
McAlpine played four seasons (1990-94) at the University of Minnesota and was Team MVP during the 1993-94 season.
