The Ducks have signed free agent Toni Lydman for three years, reportedly worth $3 million per season.

The former Buffalo Sabres defenseman is known for his shot-blocking skill and physical defensive play. Lydman stands 6-foot-1 and ranked second on the Sabres with 98 blocked shots in 67 games last season. He was the Sabres’ leader in ice time and blocked shots in the playoffs.

Lydman, who spends his summers in his native Finland, told the Buffalo News that the Sabres offered only a two-year contract.

“It was the term,” Lydman said by phone from Finland. “I would have liked to stay, but two years was their offer, and Anaheim offered three years, so that was the biggest thing.”

Lydman also had four goals and 20 points in 67 games and was a plus-10 last season, when he made $3.15 million. He also played for the bronze-medal-winning Team Finland at the Winter Olympics in February, and the silver-winning Suomi in 2006. 

In nine seasons with Buffalo and Calgary, Lydman has 33 goals, 198 points and 451 penalty minutes. He is also a veteran of 46 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, earning three goals, 11 points points and 40 PIM.

Lydman is the Ducks’ first signing on a quiet day in Anaheim, but a busy day around the league. Free-agent defensemen Paul Martin (Pittsburgh), Sergei Gonchar (Ottawa) and Zbynek Michalek (Pittsburgh) all found new homes before the Ducks signed Lydman.