Ray Emery is taking the next step in his bid to return to the NHL.
The Anaheim Ducks have signed the goaltender to a two-way contract.
He will be assigned to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, but must clear waivers first.
The 28-year-old netminder has been out of hockey for more than a year after undergoing hip surgery.
Emery was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, a disease where the interruption of blood supply causes bone tissue to die.
In 163 career NHL regular-season games, Emery posted an 87-51-15 record with a 2.70 goals-against average. He hasn't played since Feb. 1, 2010.